Free Adjustments for 10 Breast Cancer Survivors

At UTC Chiropractic, our purpose is to help build a stronger and healthier community by helping as many people as possible achieve optimal health and well-being.

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are donating (5) chiropractic adjustments and (1) 30-minute massage to the first 10 breast cancer survivors who are not currently under chiropractic care during the month of October only.

If you or someone you know is a breast cancer survivor, please call us at 858-457-0123 to schedule your complimentary appointments today.  This Special Offer expires October 31, 2013.

Superman for a Stronger Back

 

With all the talk about the recent release of Man of Steel, let us remind you of a classic - the Superman. A good supplement to all those crunches, the Superman is a great way to strengthen your lower back and tone your glutes. All you need to do this exercise is your body weight, no equipment (or movie ticket) necessary.   Here's how:

• Lie face down on your stomach with arms and legs extended. Keep your neck in a neutral position.
• Keeping your arms and legs straight (but not locked) and torso stationary, simultaneously lift your arms and legs up toward the ceiling to form an elongated "u" shape with your body - back arches and arms and legs lift several inches off the floor.
• Hold for two to five seconds and lower back down to complete one.
• Do three sets of 12.

Exhale as you lift your arms and legs and inhale as you lower them back down. When you have completed all three sets, or even in between each set, take a Child's Pose to stretch your back.

How Safe is Chiropractic for My Child?

Chiropractic is one of the safest forms of health care. A baby's spine is very supple during the first few months of life and there are Chiropractic techniques that apply only a slight pressure to make spinal adjustments. Under normal circumstances, chiropractic adjustments are painless and will not hurt your child. In Chiropractic do not use drugs which sometimes cause more harmful side effects than the progression of many diseases. Drugs can also create the potential for addiction, even in young children. In Chiropractic we do not perform any invasive procedures (such as surgery) which sometimes can have irreversible adverse effects. These are some of the reasons why malpractice insurance rates for chiropractors are only a fraction of what other physicians pay and why more than 30 million Americans choose chiropractic care for their children and themselves.

Chiropractic Shown to be Safe for Children

In a literature research study conducted by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) the risk of injury as a result of chiropractic adjustments was shown to be extremely low for adults and even smaller for the pediatric patient. In reviewing 31 years of medical literature the ICPA found only one questionable report of injury to a child following chiropractic care of a child. This ICPA concluded "the potential risk to children is so low it can not be accurately estimated". The above safety rate of chiropractic care for children should be compared to the adverse reaction rate for medicine described in the article below.

  

Source:  www.ChiropracticResearch.org

Are You Reaching Your Health & Fitness Goals?

Now that kids are back at school, it's time to buckle down with your routines and evaluate where you are on your Wellness Plan.  Are you reaching your health and fitness goals?  Do you even remember your goals or are they forgotten and washed away with summer along with the beach sand from between your toes?   

Let's talk about building a healthier body.  If you asked me to build your dream house, I would ask you many questions.  I would need to know what you want it to look like: how many bedrooms, what kind of floor plan, how many bathrooms, what type of flooring, do you want a fireplace, how many floors and which direction do you want certain rooms to face etc.  Once I have all the answers from you and all the limitations such as budget, location, time frame, zoning etc., then I have my architect design a blueprint.  Once you approve this blueprint, I start building.  One wall, one window, one tile of flooring at a time.  But every now and then, you will want to stop by to see my progress on your dream house, right?  I mean, would you spend all this time and money without checking in to see if I am doing my job right? Together we would determine if this dream house is coming along the way you had hoped it would.  We will find out if we come across any challenges or set-backs like problems with the soil, climate, labor, inspections etc.

When it comes to building a better body, think of your body and its ability to function properly as your dream house. Mike Boblett and I are your builders and Sharon and I are your architects where we will design and present to you a blueprint to help you achieve the healthy body of your dreams.  This blueprint is called your Wellness Plan.  Every time you come in for an adjustment or deep tissue muscle work, we are building your dream body according to your Wellness Plan.

But after every 12 adjustments, you should sit with me for a health re-evaluation or as I call it a "sit down showdown" to see just where you are with your progress.  This re-examination is intended to help evaluate how well you are reaching the goals you set for yourself on your Wellness Plan.  Not only will we look to see how your nervous system function scans are improving, but I will also ask how your symptoms are changing as well as what you are doing outside of our wellness center to be a part of the solution - such as eating, sleeping, exercising and stretching regimen.

If you have not been re-evaluated, please take the time to do so because it is the only way for us to know how well I am doing my job and to help you achieve the results you desire in a timely manner.

Together, let's build your dream body!

At our wellness center, we believe that when you feel great, you will do great in life!  

Health By Numbers: 2

2  

America's rank in obesity in the world!

Not too long ago the United Nations issued a report essentially dethroning the United States as the Western Hemisphere's most obese nation. We are now ranked No. 2, right behind Mexico, a country where reportedly 33 percent of its population is obese.

However, we should not think of our move to No. 2 as cause for celebration. The United States is still facing a serious health issue when it comes to adult and child obesity. It really doesn't matter if we are ranked No. 2 or No. 100. Whatever the ranking, we have a serious obesity problem in this country that needs to be addressed.

 Source: www.articles.mcall.com

Chiropractic Care for Childhood Asthma

It is estimated that up to 

15 million people suffer from asthma.

Of those, 14.8 million are children under the age of 18. In 1993 alone, there were 198,000 hospitalizations for asthma. In that same sample year, 342 people under the age of 25 died due to this problem. In money terms, the direct cost of managing a patient with severe asthma has been estimated at more than $18,000 per year.

The following statistics about asthma come from the

Better Health & Medical Network:

• Asthma has increased 46% from 1982-1993 with an 80% growth in children under 18.
• In the 5-17 age group, asthma causes an annual loss of more than 10 million school days per year.
• Asthma accounts for more childhood hospitalizations than any other childhood disease.
• Children with asthma spend approximately 7.3 million days per year restricted to bed rest.
• In 1990, there were 7.1 million physician visits for asthma.
• Health care costs for asthma were estimated at $6.2 billion, which is almost 1% of the total US health care costs.
• More than 5,200 Americans died from asthma in 1991.

Recent articles in publications such as "The American Chiropractor", and "Today's Chiropractic" describe strong links between people who suffer from these conditions and nerve interference from subluxation. Subluxations are when bones in the spine pressure or irritate nerves causing abnormal nerve function. 

An article appearing in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research Vol. 1 No. 4, also demonstrated the positive effects of chiropractic care on 81 children with asthma.

According to Richard Pistolese, research assistant for the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, "Based upon information currently available, chiropractic care represents a safe non-pharmacological health care approach, that may be associated with a decrease in asthma-related impairment, reduced respiratory effort, and a decrease incidence of asthma attacks." Pistolese goes further to say, "The correction of vertebral subluxation is a non-invasive procedure, which could reduce or eliminate the need for medication, and potentially ease the severity of the asthmatic condition."

 

Source:  www.ChiropracticResearch.org

Bookbags Carry Risk of Spinal Injury

Bookbags, when worn improperly, can carry a lot more than heavy textbooks and a stash of school supplies. They can carry the very real possibility of spinal injury. 

That's the warning of a local chiropractor, who says most parents give little thought to the harm their kids' bookbags can cause. 

"There's more academic demand than ever, kids are carrying more books than ever, and they're just throwing them all in the bookbag, and it's hurting these kids," said Dr. Joseph Fonke of High Point Chiropractic. "We're seeing more and more kids with spinal complaints in our practice." 

In addition, Fonke said, spinal injury can affect the central nervous system, leading to other medical problems. 

"It's called vertebral subluxation, which is misalignment of the spinal column, causing irritation to the nervous system," he said.

"It's been associated with ear infections, asthma, enuresis, back pain, neck pain, headaches and even sinus/allergy type problems." 

One common mistake students make is slinging their bookbag over one shoulder, rather than both shoulders. 

"They're putting uneven weight on the shoulders and spine, so the spine is having to compensate for all the weight being on one side," Fonke explained.  "And even if they wear two straps, a lot of times they wear it far too low, which puts a lot of adverse stress on the upper spine and neck, causing them to have to lean forward to compensate for the amount of weight that's down low.

 

And by doing these things repetitively - every single day for 13 years, or even into college years - these global changes in the way a kid stands up can occur, leading to further issues such as headaches and dizziness." 

 

Another problem is the sheer weight of children's bookbags. 

"According to studies, the bookbag should weigh no more than 10 percent of the child's body weight," Fonke said. 

If a student must carry several books at once, the heaviest book should be placed in the part of the bookbag closest to the child's back, to put less strain on his or her spine, he added. 

Studies support Fonke's views about bookbags and spinal health. 

For example, according to statistics provided by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), more than 2,000 backpack-related injuries were treated at hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices and clinics in 2007. 

In another study, 64 percent of American students between 11 and 15 reported back pain related to heavy bookbags, and 21 percent reported the pain lasting for more than six months. 

The AOTA offers the following bookbag-related tips: 

*  It should weigh no more than 10 percent of the child's weight. 

*  Load heaviest items closest to the child's back. 

*  Use a bookbag on wheels, if your child's school allows them. 

*  Distribute weight evenly by using both straps. 

*  Select a pack with well-padded shoulder straps. 

*  Adjust straps so the bag fits snugly on the child's back. 

*  Wear the waist belt if the bookbag has one. 

*  The bottom of the bag should rest in the curve of the lower back. 

For more information about proper use of bookbags, visit the website of the American Occupational Therapy Association at www.aota.org and type "bookbags" in the search field.

Patient Success Story: Jason Drew

Age:  31

Date you started with us:  April 1, 2013

Health Challenge: Shoulder Pain

Severity of Symptom (1-10):  7 

Length of Symptom:  7 weeks

How much did it bother you?:  24/ hrs

Therapies tried:  Acupuncture, PT

 

How did it interfere with your life?:  

"Kept me from doing what I love to do, such as gymnastics."

 

Since receiving UTC Chiropractic services, how much do you feel your condition has improved?:  90%

 

Describe how you feel now: 

"I feel great.  I can do all the things I want to do with a bit a caution."

 

Other areas of my health that I have seen improve:  

"Less lower back pain, improved mobility, improved performance, increased energy, decreased stress, more productive at work, better attitude, increase quality of life"

 

How would you rate your experience with our office:  10

Would you refer friends/ family/ colleagues to our office?:  Yes  

Healthy Bytes: Why Cranberries Are Good For You!

The link between cranberries and prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is not news. Recent research has found that it's not the acidic properties of cranberries but instead their anti-adhesive properties that promote urinary tract health. The phytochemicals in cranberries, known as a proanthocyanidins (PACs), prevent bacteria from sticking and multiplying, which leads to improved urinary tract health. 

While other fruits and berries similar cranberries with their vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants, only the cranberry contains this unique form of PAC, which is structurally different than those found in other plant foods. This unique structure is the reason that polyphenol-rich grape and apple juices, raisins, green tea, and chocolate have not been found to produce the same anti-adhesion activity.

While you can get these benefits from 100% cranberry juice, research shows drinking cranberry juice cocktail daily can also promote urinary tract health. Added bonus? Unlike the empty calories you might get from other sweetened beverage and food products, the calories one consumes from cranberry products are more nutrient-dense and offer unique (polyphenols) health benefits that you can only get from cranberries. 

Source:  "Why Cranberries Are So Good For Your Health" by Pamela Nisevich Bede, M.S., R.D., August 13, 201, Runner's World 

Fast Facts About Chiropractic...

Chiropractic is the largest, most regulated, and best recognized of the complementary and alternative medicine professions. It is the third largest doctoral-level health care profession after medicine and dentistry. (Meeker, Haldeman; 2002; Annals of Internal Medicine)

Doctors of Chiropractic undergo at least four years of professional study, must pass national board examinations and become state-licensed prior to practicing.

Doctors of Chiropractic provide care in hospitals and other multidisciplinary health care facilities.  An example of chiropractic integration into today's health care system is the chiropractic clinic at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, where they provide care for veterans, war heroes, active-duty military personnel and their families.

Conditions commonly treated by chiropractors include, but are not limited to, arthritis, back pain, neck pain, hip pain, shoulder pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ, sports injuries, car accident injuries and repetitive strains. 

Source:  American Chiropractic Association

Chiropractic Migraine Treatment

By Ron Rogers, www.livestrong.com

September 28, 2010

According to the American Migraine Foundation, 12 percent of Americans suffer from migraines. One in four families has an affected member. Combined medical costs, work time-loss and decreased productivity are estimated to impact the U.S. economy by more than $20 billion annually. There is no known cure for migraines. Current treatments aim to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of the headaches when they occur. Chiropractic treatment is one option for migraine sufferers.

Understanding Migraines

The American Migraine Foundation describes migraine as an inherited neurological disorder characterized by hyper-excitable brain networks that may become spontaneously activated or may be activated by specific triggers. Headache pain is the most prominent feature of migraine. This pain is often severe and can lead to missed work and social withdrawal. In some, the pain is preceded by warning symptoms such as visual disturbances or sensitivity to light or noise. The headache may be followed by a period of fatigue, poor concentration or mood changes. The headache pain typically lasts about 24 hours, but the entire episode may play out over two to three days.

The Chiropractic Examination

An initial chiropractic evaluation will begin with the taking of a history. The mode of onset, frequency, quality, location, duration and severity of the headaches will be discussed, along with associated symptoms like visual disturbances, nausea, light and sound or odor intolerances. The family history may be helpful, as well as a review of other health problems, including current medication use. The chiropractic evaluation will focus primarily on the musculoskeletal system. Posture and muscular asymmetries may be contributing factors. Particular attention will be paid to the muscles and joints of the neck. The neck muscles will be examined for tension or spasm. Reduced global or segmental motion in the neck, if found, will probably be a primary focus of the chiropractor's treatment.

Chiropractic Manipulation

Spinal manipulation, the primary treatment modality of most chiropractors, has been studied in the context of migraines. A large study involving 127 participants was reported in the February 2000 issue of the "Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics." In this study, the subjects who received two months of chiropractic treatment experienced significant improvements in migraine frequency, duration, disability and medication use compared to the control group. Twenty-two percent of the participants reported more than 90 percent reduction of migraines.

Triggers

Certain foods, alcohol, caffeine, fatigue, sleep changes, eye strain, light conditions, exposure to certain odors or use of certain medications may individually or collectively act as triggers to a migraine episode. Working with a chiropractor can help in identifying likely triggers and developing strategies for their avoidance.

Lifestyle

The chiropractor generally takes a holistic approach to health problems. Lifestyle considerations are a big part of that approach, and in the case of migraines, lifestyle factors appear to play a prominent role. The American Headache Society makes specific lifestyle recommendations for those suffering with migraines. These include getting adequate sleep, eating and exercising regularly, staying hydrated, limiting consumption of caffeine and alcohol, and reducing stress. A chiropractor can assist his patients in implementing these and other helpful strategies.

UTC Chiropractic Update

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

As we mentioned in our last newsletter, exciting changes are underway. One area of the practice we are improving upon is our patient care operations.  

In keeping with our mission to help as many people as possible achieve optimal wellness, to continue helping others in need and to serve you in a way that maximizes the hours in your day, we are developing a no-wait clinic.  A no-wait clinic is one where the patient arrives on time for their scheduled appointment and is cared for within minutes of their arrival so that the patient can leave on time.  Our goal is to show you that you can make the time to invest in your health and get results by getting you in and out of the office in a timely manner.

Therefore, to help you get to all your important appointments of the day, we are honoring scheduled appointments only.  Unfortunately, we can no longer easily accept walk-in/unscheduled adjustments for those on a wellness plan with us.  Scheduled appointments allow for everyone to get in and out faster!  So, please be on time.

Don't have an appointment scheduled?  No problem!

We just kindly ask that you call the office first to ensure there is availability on the schedule to accommodate you because we don't want to see you waste your time driving here if there isn't.  

Take advantage of exclusive scheduling:

Schedule your adjustments as far in advance as possible by picking the days and times that work best for you.  Exclusive scheduling better plans your day and allows you to fit your health needs around the other things that matter to you most - family, work, meetings, exercise and fun!  To get the days and times you prefer, just call Sharon, our Patient Care Coordinator, at 858-457-0131. 

The Secret to Patient Success:  It is proven that those patients who schedule in advance and stick to their schedule have less stress and get better and faster results than everyone else!  Achieving your wellness goals is the reason why you came here, right?

NEW!!  Office Hours for Adjustments:  
Monday - Thursday:  9 - 11:30 AM and 3:30 to 6:30 PM

• Morning:  first offered at the top and bottom of each hour starting at 9 AM with the last slot available at 11:15 AM.
• Afternoon: first offered at the top and bottom of each hour starting at 3:30 PM with the last slot available at 6:15 PM.
• New Patient Exams, Re-exams & Consultations are available at designated time slots such as 8:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

NEW!! Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel or reschedule your chiropractic adjustment, massage, deep tissue rehabilitation session, re-exam or health consultation, please call us 24 hours in advance so that we can help another patient wanting your time slot and help you get another preferred time slot.  We charge $25 for each "no show" or missed appointment without advance notice.  This charge will be donated to a local charity each month!

To avoid a Cancellation Fee:

We understand that things may come up during the day.  There is no charge if you call the office and reschedule for another time that day or make it up later in the week.  We just want to see you stay on top of your Wellness Plan and get results!   Getting results is what it's all about!

Communication is the Key:
We are in a relationship with you to make your body, your health and your life better!  Getting our weekly e-newsletter is one way to keep informed of the changes and exciting happenings at UTC Chiropractic as well as health news you can use and special monthly promotions on services and products.
 At our wellness center, we believe that when you feel great, you will do great in life!  It is our pleasure to serve you and your family in wellness.  

 

Wishing you optimal health and well-being,
Dr. Josh Caldwell, D.C.

Health Director

Get Your Summer Bods Ready with these easy tips...

With summer well underway, hopefully you've already started your beach bod routines.  If not, I will give you some simple ways to get in shape fast and keep it for the summer.  Like anything new you do, if you want to change quickly, you'll need to do as many days per week as possible.  Resting is not an option at this point.  Now keep in mind, this is NOT the type of everyday practice I recommend, but deadlines are need to be met at this point.

Lets start with the obvious, working out.  There are two parts to the workout that must be done, Cardio and Weight Training.  You can not emit one for the other, both are necessary.  First important concept to remember is to workout more days for less time than less times for more time.  Example:  20 minutes of Cardio and 10 minutes of Weights 5-6 days per week is better than 1 hour of Cardio and 1 hour of Weights 3 days per week.  The frequency will keep your metabolism higher and energy expenditure higher.  Now, a lot will depend on how much time you have to workout.  Lets assume you have 45 minutes per day, 5 days per week to workout.  It's best to do no more than 20 minutes of that doing Cardio and the rest doing weights.  My suggestion is to split up what sections of your body you train as not to over train any one part.  It is also recommended that you workout 3 days in a row, take a day off and then two more days.  That may or may not be possible, but do what you must.  As far as what to do on each day, it will depend on what body parts are on the schedule.  I recommend doing Upper Body Pushing movements, Lower Body Pushing movements, Upper Body Pulling Movements and Lower Body Pulling movements on separate days.

For Upper Body Pushing you will do all your Chest, Shoulder and Tricep exercises.  For Lower Body Pushing you will be doing Quad and Calf exercises.  For Upper Body pushing you will be doing Back and Bicep and Rear Delt exercises.  For Lower Body Pulling you will be doing Hamstring and Low Back exercises.

I will elaborate on all of this in my next blog next week.  Start with this and ask any questions you think of.  I have a few patients waiting, so I gotta run.  Signing Off...

What Vitamins Do You Need?

Everyday I get asked the question, "what vitamins do I need?"  That is a difficult question to answer without a thorough evaluation.  It's important to note that Chiropractors get 4 times the amount of nutritional education as Medical Doctors.  So, with a typical patient, I will have them fill out a very thorough questionnaire regarding symptoms they feel regularly.  It gets into bowl and bladder function as well as energy and digestive issues.  Then I do an exam checking their PH levels, mineral deficiencies, calcium absorption and organ sensitivities.  From all of that information I can determine a specific recommendation.  I also have a nutritionist that handles some of the nutrition recommendations.  For the average person that just wants a little insight and info, here are the four major vitamin or supplement needs.

1.  Multivitamin:
There is much debate over this topic.  The RDA values have put a lot of confusion into the public eye as to how much of each vitamin is necessary.  Under those recommendations, you should be taking a Mega Dose product where you get 100% of everything.  The problem with megadose vitamins is that they are synthetically created in a Labratory and your body cannot recognize them as well as Whole Food vitamins.  Whole Food Vitamins are made of crushed up food instead of how most products are made chemically.  It doesn't take a Rocket Scientist to know that a vitamin made from real food will probably absorb and work better than something made from a Lab.  With that being said, there are several Whole Food Multivatimins on the market, my favorite is Catalyn from Standard Process.  The RDA numbers don't mean anything if you only absorb a small portion of the product.

2.  Probiotic
It is critical for intestinal and immune system health to take a probiotic with enough strains of different healthy bacterias to get the job done.  I will elaborate on this product in a later blog.

3.  Fish Oil
If you want a fully functioning brain for the rest of your life, I highly recommend you start taking Fish Oil.

4.  Vitamin D
Most of us lack enough Vitamin D.  Although you can get it from the sun, we usually do not get enough.  D3 or Colecalciferol is the preferred version.

I hope you have found this helpful.  I will elaborate on these products in the future.  This does not substitute only supplements healthy foods in your diet.  Stay Healthy San Diego.

Stress Management

Most of us with jobs or kids are under a considerable amount of mental stress and do very little to tip the scales in our favor.  There are many ways to determine how well your body is handling the stress you are under on a daily basis.  We have testing equipment that can tell you if you have adrenal fatigue or excess cortisol production, which are stress indicators.  Stress is managed by your nervous system and if your nervous system is an unhealthy one, you will suffer the damaging effects of stress.  Stress can lead to weight gain, aches and pains, irritability (obviously), sleep deprivation, heart disease and organ malfunction to name a few.  Coined "the silent killer," it has an impact on us all.  So, that being said, what the heck can you do about it.

There are many options available to you.  Joining a Yoga studio is a great way to decrease stress, unplug from our gizmos and gadgets and you can even get into shape while you do it.  Tons of Yoga studios have popped up all over San Diego.  In UTC La Jolla there is Core Power and Sol Yoga that I can think of.  They are both within a mile of the other.  Another idea is learning how to meditate.  There are classes, audiotapes and books that can teach you how to properly do it.  We have a Meditation Specialist in my office that does workshops every month.  I personally meditate for a few minutes every day.  20 minutes is best but even if you only get in 5, that's better than nothing.  I have been looking up Tai Chi studios as well.  That is a form of movement meditation.  Plus I'm a big fan of Asian culture and Kung Fu Panda, so anything close to that is exciting for me. 

Nutritionally there are many ways to help calm the nerves and reduce adrenal stress by way of supplements or homeopathics.  We have an in house Nutritionist that can help anyone find the right balance.  A regular Massage can also help reduce muscular stress and it feels amazing.  We have an in house Massage Therapist as well.  Last but not least, there is Chiropractic.  Nothing helps relieve stress better than unlocking stuck areas of your spine and getting your nerves unpinched.  Neural stress created by a misaligned spine has the worst effects on your stress levels.  An adjustment here and there can do wonders on your stress levels.  So, find an office that can do all of this for you, like ours (hint - hint), and get a handle on your stress.

Green Fix Organic Smoothy

This is one of my favorite healthy drinks.  It has all the stuff you need for an amazing energy boost and great nutritional benefit.  We should all drink one of these per day.  It contains primarily Dark Leafy Greens, which are the most nutrient dense food group on the planet.  One cup will give you a full days worth of your RDA's.  It is a whole food, full pulp, healthy beverage.  Make sure your ingredients are 100% organic.

Include:

• Greens (Kale, Chard, Collard Greens, Romaine Lettuce, Dandelion Greens, Parsley) 
• Half handful of each
• Pure Water
• 4 oz
• Organic Apple Juice, unless you want it sugar free.
• 4 oz
• Flax Seed
• 1 tablespoon

Enjoy!

It's Smoothy Time

One of the best things you can do for yourself is invest in a High Quality Blender.  I recently purchased a Vitamix Blender, although costly, it's the best one on the market.  It can even turn Cashews into Cashew Butter.  Good alternatives are "The Ninja" or "Kitchen Aid."  Now, it is important to use your blender a couple times a day.  A few ideas to help you get started include adding things you need for health that you otherwise would not consume.  For example, I am not the fondest of raw Brussels sprouts or radishes, but I'll blend them with fruit.  A few things I love to put into a drink include a dark green vegetable like Kale or Spinach, a root vegetable like radish or carrot, parsley or cilantro, ginger and as much fruit as you want.  Sometimes a little organic fruit sorbet makes it a bit thicker.  I almost forgot, you have to start with some organic juice or water before adding the other ingredients.  I also recommend throwing in some Whey Protein powder, almond butter and honey for good measure.  Flax seed won't hurt either.  If you're new to smoothies, start with just fruit and dark greens.  Wait a while before trying the ginger, cilantro or parsley.  It's not for the squeamish.  Remember, the more you juice the better.  There is no such thing as overdosing on fruits and veggies.  In closing, happy juicing and enjoy your new health.

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

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.

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

You 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

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.

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.