Chiropractic Promotes Tissue Healing

Getting Adjusted Can Help Affect the Body’s Ability to Heal Itself


A landmark study published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, a peer-reviewed scientific journal devoted to subluxation-based chiropractic research, helps answer that question. The study reported on a group of chiropractic researchers who collaborated with the University of Lund (Sweden) and found that chiropractic care could influence basic physiological processes affecting oxidative stress and DNA repair — in other words, how the body heals itself.

In this study, “Surrogate Indication of DNA Repair in Serum After Long Term Chiropractic Intervention — A Retrospective Study,” authors Campbell, Kent, Banne, Amiri and Pero compared the effect of 21 subjects under short-term chiropractic care, 25 subjects under long-term chiropractic care and a control group of 30 subjects with no chiropractic care.

The researchers measured serum thiols levels, which are primary antioxidants and provide a surrogate estimate of DNA repair enzyme activity, or how the body heals itself.

The results were a statistically significant difference in the serum thiol levels of the three groups. The levels were lowest in patients with active diseases and in the short-term chiropractic care group. The levels were highest in the long-term care group. Symptom-free or primary wellness subjects under chiropractic care demonstrated higher mean serum thiol levels than normal wellness values.

Dr. Christopher Kent, one of the authors, explained, “Going through life, we experience physical, chemical and emotional stress. These stresses affect the function of the nervous system. We hypothesized that these disturbances in nerve function could affect oxidative stress and DNA repair on a cellular level. Oxidative stress results in DNA damage and inhibits DNA repair.”

Chiropractors apply spinal adjustments to correct disturbances of nerve function and chiropractic care appears to improve the ability of the body to adapt to stress and therefore heal itself faster and to a greater degree.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• Since it's inception, Chiropractic has contended that the purpose of a Chiropractic Adjustment was much more that simply structural alignment, and FINALLY data is beginning to shed some light on the global effects of what chiropractic adjustments can do.


• However, the intent of an adjustment is certainly not to increase serum thiol levels. The intent of the Chiropractic adjustment is to remove interference to normally functioning body systems such as the nervous system, the musculo-skeletal system, immune system, vascular system, etc.


• The Human Body is truly a miracle of creation, and we were given the ability to be fantastically healthy as long as we give our bodies what they need to thrive and avoid the things that impede or interfere with normal function.


• Serum Thiol levels were not elevated by chiropractic adjustments in this study, but more likely simply returned to "normal". Normal just happens to be higher than the levels recorded by most people in society because of our lack of sufficient nutrients, exercise, rest as well as the presence of toxins, mental stress, and as this study shows vertebral subluxation (spinal misalignments).


• So what can you d o to help your body heal faster? One part of the equation for health is to get adjusted. See your chiropractor today!

Lifting Kids Can Be a Pain

Toting Toddlers the Wrong Way Can Hurt Your Back

Kathy, a mother of two toddlers, was scrubbing the kitchen counter when she felt a shooting pain in her back, heard something pop and then fell to the floor. She spent the next 20 hours in bed before she went to see a chiropractor and received some relief. "I could not stand up or support myself," Little said. Kathy's pain was not a result of the cleaning, however. The shooting pain was the climax of days, weeks and months of lifting her two daughters improperly. Kathy said she felt pain while lifting Vanessa, then 20 pounds and 1 year old, in and out of her crib at nap and bedtime. Sometimes she didn't take the time to lower the rail - she didn't want to wake up Vanessa.
Then there were the times she lifted Amanda, who was 2 1/2 and weighed 33 pounds, in and out of the car seat. She also routinely had been picking the girls up from the floor and lifting them from the playpen and high chair."It's just the way life is when you are taking care of two young children," Kathy said."As the baby gets bigger, the worse it gets." "You have to be much more aware," she said. "Parents need to be aware of how they are lifting, then they can overcome it and prevent it from happening again."
Severe pain should be treated immediately, Chiropractors advise. Strengthening exercises and a change in lifting techniques can be the best dose of prevention of chronic back pain. Other changes include:

• Bending the knees and using the legs. Never bend straight over.
• Avoiding awkward positions like the twisting and bending motion when picking kids up.
• Avoiding holding the baby or toddler on one hip all the time; switch positions.
• Lowering the rail on the crib before lifting in and out.
• Keeping the baby close to the body, especially if carrying an infant car seat with a handle.
• Encouraging toddlers who are old enough to climb in and out of the car seat on their own instead of lifting them in and out.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• Lifting kids can absolutely be a pain, but there are easy and simple ways to prevent these injuries or correct them if they already exist. First. start with the simple advice offered above in this article.
• Second, make it a priority to strengthen your back. Exercise is a vital nutrient your body needs and the old adage holds true, "If You Don't Use It, You Lose It." Regular exercises like weight training, pilates, yoga, etc. are vital to preventing back injury.
• Third, visit your chiropractor. Appropriate lifting and exercise are needed for prevention, but they are not going to help spinal injuries and misalignments that are already there. Only your chiropractor is specifically trained to detect and correct spinal misalignments and injuries.

Can Your Diet Prevent Alzheimer's

Research has shown convincing evidence that dietary habits practiced during adulthood are important contributors to age-related cognitive decline and dementia risk.


The study, entitled Dietary Influences on Cognitive Function with Aging, was recently published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. The findings revealed that the cognitive ability of adults with diabetes are especially sensitive to dietary choices. A decline in memory function after meals were noted especially if simple carbohydrate foods are consumed. Although the physiology behind the findings are not fully known changes in brain insulin levels likely contributes.
This mental decline can be prevented through healthy food choices at meals. The findings suggest that weight maintenance reduces the risk of developing obesity-associated disorders, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and is an important component of preserving cognitive health.
“This type of information should be able to empower the individual, knowing that he/she can be actively engaged in activities and lifestyles that should support cognitive health with aging,” says Carol Greenwood, author of the study.



Dr. Zach's Comment:

• Mental Decline and Alzheimer's disease is a real fear for all of us as we age, but recent research continues to show that this disease is much more a product of our lifestyle than originally thought.
• In fact, I'm confident that Alzheimer's disease will be labeled as another type of diabetes in the not too distant future.
• So, what do you do to prevent the onset of these debilitating diseases. The answer lies in the choices you make each day about your life and health. According to this research, modifying your diet is an extremely important start. Eliminating or drastically limiting simple carbohydrates from your diet is the first step. Replacing them with nutrient dense foods like whole fruit, vegetables, meats, and whole grains is the next. Follow that with daily exercise and you'll be heading in the right direction.
• What are simple carbohydrates? Refined sugars and refined flour are the two big factors in our diet today. Look at what happens to your body when you drink a caffeinated soda:

1. Within the first 10 minutes, 10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system. This is 100 percent of your recommended daily intake, and the only reason you don’t vomit as a result of the overwhelming sweetness is because phosphoric acid cuts the flavor.
2. Within 20 minutes, your blood sugar spikes, and your liver responds to the resulting insulin burst by turning massive amounts of sugar into fat.
3. Within 40 minutes, caffeine absorption is complete; your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, and your livers dumps more sugar into your bloodstream.
4. Around 45 minutes, your body increases dopamine production, which stimulates the pleasure centers of your brain – a physiologically identical response to that of heroin.
5. After 60 minutes, you’ll start to have a sugar crash. You become fatigued, easily upset, and begin to crave more sugar and caffeine.

A Natural Flu Shot

Herbal Alternatives to the Flu Shot



Hot Fire Cider

Roughly 1/4 cup of each ofthe following:
Fresh: ginger, onion, horseradish, garlic, & lemon.
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
organic raw apple cider vinegar

Roughly chop ingredients and pack into a 1-quart canning jar, leaving a few inches at the top. Add cayenne pepper. Cover with organic raw apple cider vinegar. Cover the top of the jar with a square of waxed paper before placing lid on, then seal. This is to stop the acid in the vinegar corroding the metal lid. Shake well and leave on your kitchen counter, out of direct sunlight. Shake often for two weeks. At the end of two weeks, pour it through a kitchen strainer, wash your canning jar out well, and return the liquid to the jar. You may want to add, at this point, a few tablespoons glycerin (which will give it a pleasant sweetness, a nice foil for the hot, tart taste) or honey. If you add honey, you’ll need to refrigerate it, but glycerin requires no refrigeration. Leave solution in jar and add a spoonful to water or drinks, or place in 2 ounce dropper bottles. Use liberally to boost immunity, fight infection, soothe the throat, open the sinuses, stimulate circulation and energy, and generally improve health. Add to soup or salad to spice them up and give a boost-though I usually just drop it directly into my mouth.

Elderberry Syrup. Israeli virologists have found that elderberry extract has been shown to be specifically active against the influenza virus, blocking replication very effectively. Elder has many other health attributes as well, and is exceptionally safe - even for my toddler. All of that, and it’s quite tasty, too. Varieties of elderberry syrups can be purchased at Fresh and Natural Foods in Hudson.


Dr. Zach's Comment:

• Have you noticed that we, as a society seem to get more and more sick woth colds, infections and flus each year AND each year we seem to get these illnesses earlier in year? I have, and I think it's no coincidence that Big Pharma rolls out the flu shot earlier and earlier.
• Circumventing our own natural immunity under the banner of "prevention" is a sure fire way to create a weaker you. The only way to keep yourself healthy is to do things to boost your natural immunity. The above or a few ways to fend off illness naturally, BUT they are no replacement for good nutrition, excercise, rest, and a propperly funcitoning nervous system.

Athletes in high need of EPA and DHA

Athletes in high need of EPA and DHA

Simopoulos A. Omega-3 fatty acids and athletics. Current Sports Medicine Reports 2007; 6(4). doi. 10.1007/s11932-007-0037-4.

BACKGROUND: Human beings evolved consuming a diet that contained about equal amounts of ω-6 (omega 6) and ω-3 (omega 3) essential fatty acids. Today, in Western diets, the ratio of ω-6 to ω-3 fatty acids ranges from approximately 10:1 to 20:1 instead of the traditional range of 1:1 to 2:1.

OBSERVATION: Studies indicate that a high intake of ω-6 fatty acids shifts the physiologic state to one that is prothrombotic and proaggregatory, characterized by increases in blood viscosity, vasospasm, and vasoconstriction, and decreases in bleeding time. ω-3 fatty acids, however, have anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antiarrhythmic, hypolipidemic, and vasodilatory properties.

RESULTS: Excessive free-radical formation and trauma during high-intensity exercise leads to an inflammatory state that is made worse by the increased amount of ω-6 fatty acids in Western diets, although this can be counteracted by eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

CONCLUSION: For the majority of athletes, especially those at the leisure level, general guidelines should include EPA and DHA of about 1 to 2 g/d at a ratio of EPA:DHA of 2:1.
Source: Current Sports Medicine Reports

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids in the form of EPA and DHA are an essential part of everyone's diet. That's why they're called Essential Fatty Acids. They are ESSENTIAL. Your body absolutely needs them and will absolutely malfunction if you don't get them.


• AND you have to get them from your diet. Your body cannot create Omega 3 fatty acids form something similar (omega 6's for example). But, if you don't get these essential fats in your diet, your body will use an inferior substance like the omega 6's where the omega 3's should go. If that happens (and in America it does in most of us), serious illness and disease are sure to follow.


• You see, these omega 3 fatty acids are foundation for every cell in your body. They make up over 90% of each and every cell membrane in each of the 3 trillion cells in your body. Is that important? Absolutely! Your cell membrane is responsible for more day to day, minute by minute cellular function than any other part of your cell.... even the DNA itself.


• What happens when omega 6's replace omega 3's in your cell membrane? Visualize your cell as a basketball and the cell membrane as the outer casing of the basketball. A basketball is very effective for what it was designed for (dribbling) when it's manufactured with the right materials: air, a rubber inner membrane and a leather outer membrane. But now imaging manufacturing a basketball with an outer layer of hard plastic. Would it inflate like it should? Could you dribble it? No. The basketball has lost it's use because it's structure doesn't support it's function. If your diet is too high in omega 6's and too low in omega 3's your cells will suffer the same fate as our basketball example.


• So, where do you get omega 3's in the form of EPA and DHA? From wild caught ocean fish (best source), wild game, grass fed beef, and free range foul like chicken and turkey. Sometimes these options are not available or convenient, so my advice to you is to get yourself a good fish oil supplement. One that's pharmaceutical grade and contains at least 1000mg per serving of EPA/DHA combined. Check your local health food store or, if you're a patient at McCabe Chiropractic, get them right in the office.

Degenerative Disc Disease Prevention

Osteoarthritis is commonly considered a “wear-and-tear” process and is associated with degenerative changes in the disc, which results in an altered relationship (derangement) between adjacent vertebrae. This derangement causes an increased strain, as well as a loss of motion of the gliding joints of the spine. These gliding joints (facets) are found in pairs, along the entire spine, and their function is to allow for movement and flexibility of the spine. When these facet joints are subjected to repeated trauma from excessive strenuous athletic activities, heredity, weak abdominal muscles, and the inevitable aging process, low back and/or leg pain is commonly experienced.
Degenerative changes in the disc or an altered function in the facet joints, for whatever reason, contribute significantly to the “wear and tear” process, placing a strain upon this important area of the spine. The osteoarthritic spine becomes less flexible, and therefore becomes more vulnerable to injury. A simple unexpected or forced movement, physically heavy work, improper posture, frequent bending or lifting, all can produce strain and injury to these facet joints.
As the intervertebral disc narrows, it loses height, mobility, and oftentimes forms bony spurs, which may irritate the spinal nerve roots as the disc space narrows.
Specific chiropractic adjustments of the spine improve spinal mobility and unlock the facet joints helping to relieve the accompanying muscular, ligamentous, and tendon contractions, as well as the mechanical or reflex irritation of the nerve root.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• There is only one way to proactively attempt to prevent the onset of osteoarthritis (aka degenerative disc disease), and that is through a Chiropractic Wellness/ Maintenance Care program. As the article stated, it is the wear and tear of improperly functioning joints that leads to osteoarthritis. It is not genetic, chance, or bad luck. You are ultimately responsible for your health and the health of your family, so be proactive and seek out activities and health care that will help you keep you body healthy.


• Don't wait until you have a symptom such as pain to seek out chiropractic care. By then permanent damage has often already happened. Pain is simply a signal used by your nervous system to tell you that tissue damage is happening. If you wait until your experiencing pain to seek out care, you've already exposed yourself to tissue damage in and around your spine. And remember, the purpose of your spine is to protect your nervous system. Do you really want the organ responsible for protecting your nervous system to be injured and weak.


• By re-aligning misalignments and injuries to your spine, Chiropractors help make your spine stronger and work to prevent injuries in the future. If you are prevention/ Wellness oriented like many of us are today, you owe it to yourself to begin chiropractic care today!!

The Alzheimer's Diabete's Connection

Discovery Supports Theory of Alzheimer's Disease as Form of Diabetes

(Physorg.com) Research in the last few years has raised the possibility that Alzheimer’s memory loss could be due to a third form of diabetes. Now scientists at Northwestern University have discovered why brain insulin signaling -- crucial for memory formation -- would stop working in Alzheimer’s disease. They have shown that a toxic protein found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s removes insulin receptors from nerve cells, rendering those neurons insulin resistant. (The protein, known to attack memory-forming synapses, is called an ADDL for “amyloid ß-derived diffusible ligand.”) The new findings, published online by the FASEB Journal, could help researchers determine which aspects of existing drugs now used to treat diabetic patients may protect neurons from ADDLs and improve insulin signaling in individuals with Alzheimer’s. (The FASEB Journal is a publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.)

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• Many experts in the health care industry have noticed similarities between the mental effects of diabetes and Alzheimer's, and now research is showing it too. In fact, diabetes and Alzheimer's aren't the only two chronic lifestyle diseases with links to blood insulin levels. Studies have also linked heart disease to insulin mismanagement as well.
• Not only do these diseases have common ties with insulin, but they are also all diseases that can almost always be controlled and even more importantly PREVENTED through changes in lifestyle.
• So, how do you prevent diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, Heart Disease and Cancer? The Answer lies in providing your body sufficient amount the nutrients it needs (foods, exercise, normal nerve function, rest, & peace) and avoiding exposure to toxic substances and deficiencies (in our food, environment, activity levels, etc.)
• Want to learn more? Look for upcoming lectures and workshops at area churches and community events given by Dr. McCabe.

Healthy Harvest with Dr. Matt - Tomatoes

Tomatoes are in the peak of their season.
Although they are now available year round in grocery stores throughout the world, we can now enjoy the local vine ripened varieties that will be the most flavorful and nutritious. Nothing adds flavor to your favorite salad or sandwich like a juicy, red, vine-ripened tomato.
Like I always say, purchase local organic tomatoes if you want the best quality, nutrients, and flavor.

Nutritional Value

One cup of tomatoes contains 57% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin C, 22% DV for vitamin A and 11% DV for potassium. But that's not all. Tomatoes are also a great source of carotenoid phytonutrients, such as beta-carotene and lycopene. And all of this for only 38 calories.

Health Benefits

Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, which help prevent both cancer and heart disease due to its antioxidant function. It has been found to help protect cells and other structures in the body from free radical damage and has been linked to the protection of DNA (our genetic material) inside of white blood cells.
21 studies confirmed that eating tomatoes, especially cooked tomatoes, provides protection against prostate cancer. Researchers credit not only lycopene but a variety of other protective phytonutrients found in tomatoes that work together to provide protection against prostate cancer.
Vitamins A and C also provide antioxidant protection against free radicals while potassium, niacin, vitamin B6 and folate provide protection against atherosclerosis and heart disease.
So get out to those local farmers markets, find yourself a basket of these tasty health enhancers, and enjoy!

Recipe of the Week

Crab Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

¼ cup Lump Crabmeat
½ tsp chili sauce
½ tsp Dijon Mustard
2 Tbs mayonnaise
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 scallions (finely chopped)
1 tbs fresh chives
40 cherry tomatoes (Appx.)



In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, chili sauce, mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, scallions and herbs.
Mix well.
Cover and refrigerate until needed.
Using a serrated knife, cut a very thin slice from the stem end of each tomato.
Carefully scoop out pulp and seeds with the tip of a teaspoon.
Lightly sprinkle the insides of the tomatoes with salt.
Invert them on paper towels and let them drain for about 15 minutes.
Using a small spoon, stuff the tomatoes with the crab, mounding the filling slightly on top.
Serve cold.

Bone Cancer Linked to Fluoride

Harvard Study: Strong Link Between Fluoridated Water and Bone Cancer in Boys



Boys who drink water with levels of fluoride considered safe by federal guidelines are five times more likely to have a rare bone cancer than boys who drink unfluoridated water, according to a study by Harvard University scientists published in a peer-reviewed journal.
The study, led by Dr. Elise Bassin and published online today in Cancer Causes and Control, the official journal of the Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention, found a strong link between fluoridated drinking water and osteosarcoma, a rare and often fatal bone cancer, in boys. The study confirms studies by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the New Jersey health department that also found increased rates of bone cancer in boys who drank fluoridated tap water.
Bassin's study comes on the heels of a National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report that found the federal "safe" limit for fluoride in tap water did not protect children from dental fluorosis or increased bone fractures. The NAS recommended that the allowable limit for fluoride in tap water be lowered immediately.
"This study raises very serious concerns about fluoride's safety and its potential to cause bone cancer in teenage boys," said Richard Wiles, EWG's senior vice president. "The findings raise fundamental questions about the wisdom of adding fluoride to tap water."
EWG urges communities not to add fluoride to tap water, and advises parents to avoid fluoridated water for their children, particularly bottle fed infants. "Fluoride is fine in toothpaste, where it is directly applied to the teeth, but provides almost no dental benefit in water, while presenting serious health risks, particularly for boys," Wiles said.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• Fluoride is a toxic substance to the human body that we as a society consume for it's perceived value. That value is "hardening" of tooth enamel for cavity prevention.
• Not only does this toxic substance increase the likelihood of cancer in boys, fluoride has also been shown to increase the incidence of Strep Throat and inhibit thyroid function, among others.
• So, here's the million dollar question: What did our ancestors do before fluoride? Did they all have rotten teeth or have to buy dentures? No. Of course not. Cavities, like many other health problems in this country are a result of sugar consumption. Eliminate sugar, and you eliminate cavities. Eliminate cavities and you no longer have a need for fluoride.
• The key to health is not finding the right potion.... It's asking the right question.

No More Excuses: Obesity Not Genetic

Scientists prove that infant obesity can be avoided if the mother eats properly.

Many people who become obese were thought to be victims of bad genes which caused them to pack on the pounds. But a new discovery suggests destiny may be reversed through good nutrition in early childhood.

Scientists from Auckland University's Liggins Institute and their colleagues in Britain are examining how a mother's diet in pregnancy can determine if a baby will become obese in adulthood and suffer heart disease and diabetes.

Today in America, more than 20 per cent of adults are obese, double the rate 30 years ago, and a further 35 per cent are overweight.

In a study by the Liggins Institute, Southampton University and AgResearch to be published this week in a United States journal, the researchers describe molecular changes that can occur after dietary intervention in early childhood. Liggins director Professor Peter Gluckman, one of the researchers, said it also showed that genetic switches set in the womb could be reversed by nutritional changes in early childhood.

"It changes the way we should think about tackling the obesity epidemic," he said from Britain last night. "It's probably the most important intellectual breakthrough we've made in understanding development."

In the experiments, the newborn offspring of well-fed and undernourished female rats were dosed with leptin, a hormone that signals to the body when it has eaten enough. When the young rats became adults, the long-term effects were measured by checking genes that regulate metabolism in the liver.


Rats from well-fed mothers reacted to leptin in the opposite way to those from undernourished mothers.

Professor Gluckman likened the process to female honey bees developing as either queens or workers, depending on whether they were fed royal jelly as larvae.

"This is the first suggestion that this fundamental biological process operates in mammals, and has major implications for addressing issues such as obesity," he said. "Not everyone is the same - gene switches have been moved in early development to make some more or less sensitive to fat in the diet."

Co-researcher Dr Alan Beedle said the study, to be published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, dispelled the common idea that a person's life course was set by their genetic make-up at birth.

"It's really development, and modifiable factors during development, that can change how we grow and what diseases you are susceptible to as an adult," he said.

The study's message for developed nations was that mothers should eat a balanced diet during pregnancy, with the right amounts of protein and vitamins. And if a fetus was under-nourished in the womb, it might be possible to detect that by a blood test at birth and correct the condition with good nutrition.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• What you're reading is astounding information that is going to change the way we, as a culture, look at growth, development, and health care in the future. Now, this isn't the first time researchers have reported such activity in our genetic code. In fact, there is an entire branch of genetic study reserved for just this type of work.


• The type of genetics these researchers are discussing is know as EPIGENETICS. Epigenetics is based upon the principle that your DNA does not control your destiny, but more importantly your environment does. To make a long story short, the idea behind epigenetics is that you can actually change HOW your DNA expresses itself by changing your environment. And as hard as it may be to believe if this is the first time you've heard of it, the process is actually quite simple.


• You see, the human genome is same in all of us. We all have the same number of genes (with rare exception), but it's which genes are outwardly expressed that determine things like eye color, hair color, etc.


• What these scientist have found is that your body composition (fat and muscle ratios) are to some degree regulated by genetics BUT (and this is a very BIG BUT - no pun intended) those genetics are CHANGABLE.


• How do you change your genetic expression.... Change you environment. How do you change your environment. Here are some ways: Nutrition, Exercise, Chiropractic Care, Spiritual and Religious Belief Systems, Work, Stress..... are you getting the picture? Be the change you want to see in the world!

Healthy Harvest with Dr. Matt - Watermelon

Seasonal Food of the Week: Watermelon

The Basics

Watermelon is in the peak of its season although it is now available in many areas throughout the year. However, this week we celebrate watermelon as one of the World's Healthiest Foods. No other fruit says summer better than sweet, crunchy, refreshing watermelon. Watermelon is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family along with cantaloupe, squash and pumpkin. Although watermelon can be found in many areas throughout the year, now is the time to enjoy the best tasting watermelon of the year.

Nutritional Value

Watermelon is a rich source of heart-healthy nutrients including vitamin C and the carotenoid phytonutrient, lycopene, which provides watermelon with its beautiful red color as well as many health-promoting benefits. In fact, watermelon contains more lycopene than an equivalent amount of tomatoes, which are renowned for this important nutrient. A one cup-serving of watermelon contains 24% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin C, 11% DV for vitamin A and 11% DV for vitamin B6 . all for only 49 calories!

Health Benefits

The lycopene in watermelon also helps prevent prostate cancer in men. The concentration of antioxidants found in watermelon helps control the inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.

As with all foods, I recommend selecting organic varieties whenever possible. This way you assure that you are getting a fruit packed with as many vitamins and nutrients as possible.

Recipe of the Week!

Watermelon Fire & Ice Salsa
3 cups seeded and chopped watermelon
2 tbs. chopped cilantro
1 to 2 tbs. (2 to 3 medium) Jalapeno peppers (seeded and chopped)
1/2 cup green peppers
2 tbs. lime juice
1 tbs. chopped green onion
1/2 tbs. garlic salt

Combine all ingredients; mix well. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Makes 3 cups. Serving tips: Serve with corn or potato chips, or a great topping for Teriyaki fish or chicken.

Autsim and Chiropractic

Alternative Cures for Autism



(UK News)Every month, Susan Crisp takes her eight-year-old son, Daniel, for a 15-minute chiropractic treatment.

Daniel has autism and Susan and her husband, Gary, firmly believe that this complementary therapy has been key to the recent improvements they've seen in his development. "His communication has improved tremendously," says Susan.

"He has started putting three or four words together and it is not in response to questions from us.

"It's spontaneous. At one time, if he wanted something out of the fridge he would drag me to it and point. Now he'll say, `Mummy, I want'.

"He doesn't seem so closed in as he once was and is interacting more with his three older sisters."

Television presenter, Quentin Willson, has reported similar success from the treatment for his son, Max.

Indeed, it was after seeing Quentin talking about his son on TV two years ago that Susan first got the idea to try chiropractic for Daniel.

"It was a coincidence that I saw it. I had the TV on and it really caught my eye because there were so many similarities between what he was talking about with his son and Daniel," she remembers.

Worth a try

"It stayed on my mind. I told Gary about it and we felt we should give it a try.

"We thought, `If nothing happens, that's the worst that can happen'.

"At the time, Daniel was walking on his tip-toes and his feet were pointing inwards when he walked - which can be symptoms of autism. I was worried about it and we thought that the chiropractic might be able to help with his posture."

Susan took Daniel to see chiropractor Doug Clark at Dynamic Chiropractic in Sale. Chiropractic is a complementary therapy used to treat problems with joints, bones and muscles and the effects these have on the nervous system.

This is done by a chiropractor, using their hands to make often gentle, specific adjustments to joints, concentrating particularly on the spine, to improve the nervous system and release the body's natural healing ability.

Doug explains: "Daniel demonstrated quite striking spinal stiffness both in the left side of his lower back and his upper neck.

"From a chiropractic point of view, spinal movement problems, typically at the top of the neck, may contribute to distorted nerve function in the central nervous system.

"Whilst I treated Daniel's spine for mechanical problems, which we could be certain would benefit his health, we didn't know at this stage how his communication skills, speech and language might respond to treatment."

"He loves it. Usually when Daniel comes in from school, that's it, he's in and it's really hard to get him to go anywhere, but when I say we are going to see Doug he wants to go.

"Every time Doug has a little chat to ask how Daniel has been getting on. Then Daniel sits in the chair - we call it the Thunderbird chair, and Doug doesn't have to tell him anything now, he knows what to do.

"Daniel loves this but when I've tried to do it at home he won't let me do it, only Doug - they've built up a really lovely relationship.

"But it's not just a matter of Daniel enjoying it. Within four to six weeks we noticed a huge improvement in his condition.

"We took him in June and by August people who don't see him regularly commented that his speech had come on tremendously. He started to initiate sentences - it was a real surprise, to us."

Daniel continues to make excellent progress and is now speaking and engaging with people on a regular basis.

As well as his chiropractic treatment he receives educational help through a specialist school, which includes seeing a speech therapist twice a week.

"I wouldn't want to diminish the input of the other treatments Daniel gets but I think the chiropractic complements this well," Susan adds. "Daniel is improving so much more and so much quicker.

"The chiropractic was like turning a key, opening the door and it all came out of him.

"It's not a cure but it can alleviate some of the difficulties."

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• I first want to emphasize that Chiropractic is not a Cure for Autism. In fact Chiropractic is not a Cure for Anything! Chiropractic is based on the simple principles that your body is designed to function beautifully and when it doesn't function beautifully, something is interfering with your body's ability to do so. Very Often that "something" is what we call in chiropractic Vertebral Subluxation. Vertebral Subluxation interferes with your nerve system (the master controller) of your body.



• That said, Chiropractic is extremely helpful with conditions such as autism because our goal is simple... to optimize function. When we're done with treatment, the child will still have autism, but parents often report (as the news article did above) that the child is able to function better on many levels. When you remove the interference to the nerve system... amazing things can happen.



• The funny thing is, those amazing result are simply a return of your body to normal. You see, each of us have amazing abilities and talents. Unfortunately, often times barriers prevent us from expressing these abilities. Don't let Vertebral Subluxaiton be a barrier keeping you from greatness (or even normalcy for that matter). See your Chiropractor today!

Healthy Harvest with Dr. Matt- Cucumbers

Welcome to a New and Exciting Addition to Our Newsletter! You all know that Dr. Matt and I are Chiropractors, but what you may not know is that we also have other talents outside the office. Dr. Matt is a Whiz in the Kitchen, and He's Agreed to Share His Insight on Seasonal, Local, and Sometimes Unusual Foods and Recipes. Thanks Dr. Matt!

Seasonal Food of the Week: Cucumbers



The Basics
Cucumbers are at the peek of their season this week. They can be eaten fresh or pickled for enjoyment throughout the year. You may not know they belong to the squash family which also includes the watermelon, zucchini, and pumpkin. Their high water content makes them uniquely refreshing and cooling and a wonderful addition to a healthy diet during these hot summer months.



Nutritional Value
You may be surprised that cucumbers have so much nutritional value. Raw cucumbers are a very good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, manganese, folate, tryptophan, and of course dietary fiber.

Health Benefits
Great for vibrant looking skin and complexion. Foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber such as cucumbers are also good choices to keep blood pressure normal. Cucumbers are a great choice for healthy weight control - one cup contains only 14 calories!



Recipe




5-Minute Cold Cucumber Salad


· 1 large cucumber
· 1 medium tomato
· 1 small red sweet onion



Mediterranean Dressing
· 2 TBS extra virgin olive oil
· 2 tsp lemon juice
· 2 tsp wine vinegar
· 1 medium clove garlic (minced)
· Sea salt and pepper to taste
· Optional 2 TBS fresh or 1 tsp dried dill





Mix dressing ingredients in a large bowl. Dice vegetables, add to dressing, and mix. Eat and enjoy or chill for later. A great summertime treat created with fresh ingredients from the garden or your local farmers market.

Breaking Up the Workout can Bust Up the Fat

Allowing time for a rest period during your workout burns more fat than exercising for one continuous session

J Appl Physiol. 2007 Jun;102(6):2158-64. Epub 2007 Feb 22

This study compared the fat metabolism between "a single bout of prolonged exercise" and "repeated bouts of exercise" of equivalent exercise intensity and total exercise duration.

Seven men performed three trials: 1) a single bout of 60-min exercise (Single); 2) two bouts of 30-min exercise, separated by a 20-min rest between exercise bouts (Repeated); and 3) rest. Each exercise was performed with a cycle ergometer at 60% of maximal oxygen uptake.

In the Single and Repeated trials, serum glycerol, growth hormone, plasma epinephrine, and norepinephrine concentrations increased significantly (P <>

Moreover, the Repeated trial showed significantly lower values of insulin and glucose than the Single trial. The relative contribution of fat oxidation to the energy expenditure showed significantly higher values (P <>

These results indicate that repeated bouts of exercise cause enhanced fat metabolism compared with a single bout of prolonged exercise of equivalent total exercise duration.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• Many studies in the past few years have shown the benefit to interval training (increased metabolism, fat burning, energy expenditure, and endurance).


• The idea certainly makes sense if you view our ancestors as predators or warriors who would need to excel at quick and intense bursts of energy, speed, and power to kill their next meal, a threatening predator, or an enemy.


• If you're looking for a workout program that emphasizes interval training, I would suggest the Body for Life program.

Caffeine and Exercise May Ward Off Skin Cancer

Combo of Exercise, Caffeine Fights Skin Cancers

(AP) — The combination of exercise and caffeine increased the self-destruction of precancerous cells that had been damaged by the sun's ultraviolet-B radiation, according to a team of researchers at Rutgers University.
The study found that there is a protective effect from both caffeine and voluntary exercise, and when both are provided — not necessarily at the same time — protection is even more than the sum of the two, said Dr. Allan Conney of the laboratory for cancer research at Rutgers.
"We think it likely that this will extrapolate to humans, but that has to be tested," Conney said in a telephone interview.
Exposing mice to ultraviolet-B light causes some skin cells to become precancerous.
Cells with damaged DNA are programmed to self-destruct, a process called apoptosis, but if not all of the damaged cells do that, they can become cancerous.
The researchers report in Tuesday's issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that they studied hairless mice in four groups. Some were fed water containing caffeine, some had wheels on which they could run, some had both and a control group had neither.
"The most dramatic and obvious difference between the groups came from the caffeine-drinking runners, a difference that can likely be attributed to some kind of synergy," Conney said.
Compared with the control animals, those drinking caffeine had a 95% increase in apoptosis in damaged cells. The exercisers showed a 120% increase, and the mice that were both drinking and running showed a nearly 400% increase.
Just what is causing that to happen is not yet clear, though the researchers have several theories.
"We need to dig deeper into how the combination of caffeine and exercise is exerting its influence at the cellular and molecular levels, identifying the underlying mechanisms," Conney said.
"With an understanding of these mechanisms we can then take this to the next level, going beyond mice in the lab to human trials," he said. "With the stronger levels of UVB radiation evident today and an upward trend in the incidence of skin cancer among Americans, there is a premium on finding novel ways to protect our bodies from sun damage."
Conney said the researchers were originally interested in the effects of green tea in preventing skin cancer and were doing tests on regular and decaffeinated teas.
They found the regular tea had an effect, but not the decaffeinated brew.
And, he said, researchers also observed that mice drinking caffeine were more active than those that didn't get it, so they decided to study the effects of exercise too.
They put running wheels into some of the cages. The mice "love to go on it," he said, and will jump on the wheels and run for several minutes, then get off for a while, and then get on and run some more.
And they found that both caffeine and exercise helped eliminate damaged skin cells, but the combination worked better than either alone.
"What we would like to see next is a clinical trial in people," Conney said.
Dr. Michael Gold, a Nashville, dermatologist and a spokesman for the Skin Cancer Foundation, said he believes "the concept of systemic caffeine should be addressed further."
"I think the concept potentially has a lot of merit," he said in a telephone interview. But mice and humans are different and studies need to be done to be sure this also applies to people.

Dr. Zach's Comment:

• The fact that exercise can improve the natural function of your body is no surprise. We a designed to be active, and inactivity will lead to health problems every time. A 120% increase in apoptosis is huge...



• But nothing compared to the 400% increase that exercise and caffeine have on apoptosis rates... That is just amazing.



• At first glance, it looks like a great way for me to justify my morning cup of coffee, but quite frankly, I'm not ready to call caffeine "healthy" yet. I think more research needs to be done, but the results of this study do look promising.



• So, for now, if a cup of coffee in the morning is the worst thing you're doing... enjoy it and know it may actually be helping you prevent skin cancer.

Super Blueberries

Blueberries may prevent colon cancer.

Researchers at Rutgers University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted a joint study on animals, and found that a compound in blueberries called pterostilbene reduced pre-cancerous lesions and inhibited genes involved in inflammation. "This study underscores the need to include more berries in the diet, especially blueberries," said study leader Bandaru Reddy, Ph.D. The study was performed on 18 rats in which colon cancer had been induced in a manner similar to human colon cancer development. All of the animals were placed on a balanced diet, with half of the animals' diets supplemented with pterostilbene. After eight weeks, the rats fed pterostilbene had 57 percent fewer pre-cancerous colon lesions compared to the control group. The researchers also noted that pterostilbene inhibited certain genes involved in inflammation, considered a colon cancer risk factor. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. It has been linked to a high intake of saturated fats and calories common in Western diets. Pterostilbene may be able to reverse this process, possibly by lowering lipids, Reddy said. Reddy cited a recent study by co-author Agnes Rimando of the Department of Agriculture. Rimando demonstrated that blueberries, particularly their skins, can lower cholesterol when fed to animals. Some thirty different species of blueberries are native to North America. The berries are rich in anthocyanins, widely recognized for their antioxidant qualities. Blueberries are also a good source of ellagic acid, which blocks metabolic pathways that can lead to cancer.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• Blueberries truly are one of God's great superfoods. Note that there are 30 different varieties of Blueberries in North America. Therefore, it's quite easy to find fresh local berries when in season.


• Eating foods grown locally has a tremendous effect on your health, not to mention the environment. Local foods are subject to the same environmental conditions that you are, and therefore could be very helpful in maintaining health and avoiding disease.


• And remember, eating blueberries to cure or even prevent colon cancer is not the point. The point is: if you eat a diet full of foods that are as close to their natural state as possible, your body will be truly healthy, and a healthy body doesn't get cancer.
• Here's a great smoothie recipe that my daughter loves:

Blueberry Peanut Butter Smoothie

1 Cup milk or rice milk

1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)

1 tablespoon flax oil

1 scoop Fresh and Natural "Greens n Things" (superfood)

1/4 Cup peanut butter

1 Cup frozen Blueberries (fresh also works)

3/4 Cup Ice (use more ice if the blueberries are fresh)

begin mixing milk on lowest speed and and dry ingredients to prevent caking on side of blender canister. Stop blender and add peanut butter, flax oil, blueberries and ice. Blend on high until consistent. Enjoy!

Serves 2

Getting The Athletic Edge

Achieving Excellence Through Chiropractic Care

What do Barry Bonds, Tiger Woods, Andy Roddick, and Lance Armstrong have in common? They are incredibly accomplished athletes that have used chiropractic care as a key ingredient to their success. The fact is that more professional athletes use chiropractic than ever before. Even more revealing is the increased use of regular chiropractic care for entire professional teams. The magazine Chiropractic Economics reported that over 95% of teams in the NFL use chiropractors as a regular part of player care. Some professional athletes pay personal chiropractors to give treatment before, during, or after a game. Barry Bonds, one of the best all time baseball players, has a personal chiropractor who travels to games. Bonds has incorporated chiropractic into his lifestyle. He reportedly said, "I think it should be mandatory to see a chiropractor and massage therapist." Professional athletes get three main benefits with chiropractic care. They are to prevent injury, manage injury, and to enhance physical performance. Perhaps the most exciting thing about chiropractic is the performance enhancing abilities it provides athletes. A study in 1991 in the Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation revealed that chiropractic care can increase athletic performance by as much as 16.7%. Another study in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research in 1997 revealed that chiropractic care increases an athletes capillary count. This means increased blood flow and more oxygen to the body. Both professional and amateur athletes look into chiropractic and how it can help them perform to their potential.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• Article Highlights: 1) The 1991 study showing chiropractic care increases athletic performance by as much as 16.7% and the 1997 study showing it increases capillary blood flow.


• Increasing performance by 16.7% is a huge edge for any competitive athlete at any level. Maybe that's why 95% of NFL teams use chiropractic care. If you are a competing at any level, chiropractic is a very simple and proven effective way to increase performance.


• Why? Because Chiropractic IS NOT ABOUT CORRECTION, IT'S ABOUT CONNECTION. Your body is designed to be vibrantly healthy, and it will be as long as you give it what it needs (sufficient nutrients, water, rest, and activity) and avoid the things that cause dysfunction (toxins, drugs, sedentary lifestyle, AND Interference to your nervous system). Your nervous system is what controls and coordinated every activity and function of your body. What causes interference to your nervous system? Vertebral Subluxation (spinal misalignments). Who is the only Health Professional trained to correct Vertebral Subluxation. Chiropractors. It's no wonder that so many elite athletes are putting chiropractors on their "team". Are you?

More Bad News For Diet Drinkers

Study: Diet soda linked to heart risks

BOSTON (AP) — People who drank more than one diet soda each day developed the same risks for heart disease as those who downed sugary regular soda, a large but inconclusive study found.
The results surprised the researchers who expected to see a difference between regular and diet soda drinkers. It could be, they suggest, that even no-calorie sweet drinks increase the craving for more sweets, and that people who indulge in sodas probably have less healthy diets overall.
The study's senior author, Dr. Vasan Ramachandran, emphasized the findings don't show diet sodas are a cause of increased heart disease risks. But he said they show a surprising link that must be studied.
The research comes from a massive, multi-generational heart study following residents of Framingham, Mass., a town about 25 miles west of Boston. The new study of 9,000 observations of middle-aged men and women was published Monday online in the journal Circulation.
The researchers found those who drank more than one soda per day — diet or regular — had an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, compared to those who drank less than one soda. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that increase the risk for heart disease including large waistlines and higher levels of blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and blood fats called triglycerides.
At the start of the study, those who reported drinking more than one soft drink a day had a 48% increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome compared to those who drank less soda.
Of participants who initially showed no signs of metabolic syndrome, those who drank more than one soda per day were at 44% higher risk of developing it four years later, they reported.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• It should be pretty obvious by now that there is no such thing as healthy soda. And those who thought diet soda was "healthier", well, think again.


• Sodas with artificial sweeteners come with their own baggage such as a increased risk of cancer and possible insulin resistance.


• What your body needs is water. Give your body what it needs.


• This may be the first time you've heard of metabolic syndrome, but it won't be the last. The high stress American lifestyle is actually creating its own disease. A disease that can destroy your ability to maintain you health by shutting down your bodies self regulating pathways and leading you instead down a path of medications and artificial "health". This disease (metabolic syndrome) is fortunately reversible however... if you take the necessary steps to regain your health through adequate nutrition, exercise, avoidance of toxins, and a clear nervous system.

Pregnancy and Chiropractic

Consult Your Chiropractor During Pregnancy

According to a study at Spine Universe, almost 80% of pregnant women experience some type of back pain. There are a number of treatments that are available and of course pain remedies that are present during the labor and birth of the baby too. With pregnancy lasting nine months, there are other ways to make pregnancy comfortable for both the mother and the unborn baby. A 1991 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, said that 84% of women who received chiropractic care experienced a decrease in back pain during their pregnancy. It was also reported that women who continued to have chiropractic care and performed exercises reported a less painful childbirth as well. In other research by Spine Universe, there are a variety of types of back pain and other pains that women experience in their pregnancies. 42% experience pain in the posterior superior iliac spine , 54% experience pain in the groin areas, 54% in the coccyx, and 33% in the pubic symphysis. In 80% of pregnancies, most of the back pain will be localized during a woman's pregnancy. But by the third semester, at least 50% of women experience back pain. Other recommended ways to sooth a woman's pain during pregnancy include activities such as sleeping on your side, keeping good posture, eating and exercising properly, and using tools like a pregnancy pillow, or support belt. By adding chiropractic care to a woman's medical care during pregnancy, performing proper exercising routines, and staying fit, it is possible to reduce back pain experienced during pregnancy.





Dr. Zach's Comments:

• Chiropractic Care during pregnancy has helped thousands of women in the US and around the world experience less pain, more activity, faster deliveries, and less complications. Truly, a chiropractic exam should be mandatory for all expectant mothers, and not only to relieve or prevent back pain.




• Chiropractic is based on the premise that YOUR BODY WAS DESIGNED FOR 100% OUTSTANDING HEALTH. Your nervous system controls and coordinated that state of health and it will do so perfectly if nothing interferes with it. Misalignment and Injury to your spine can interfere with nerve system function and cause you to migrate away from a truly healthy state. Chiropractic Care can correct those misalignments and injuries and restore normal nerve system function and therefore your health.




• Not only that, but a women's back and pelvis go through some serious changes during pregnancy in order to prepare her for the delivery of the child. The pelvis must expand a great deal to allow baby to enter our world, and misalignments or injuries to the spine can prevent that pelvic expansion. No pelvic expansion equals difficult delivery and possible intervention.




• What husband, mother, or father wouldn't want to make his wife or daughter's pregnancy as pain free, risk free, and worry free as possible and at the same time assuring a faster, safer delivery of baby at the same time. Chiropractic and pregnancy just make sense!

Eat Your Way to Good Heart Health

More Reasons to Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

Flavonoid, a substance found in many fruits, vegetables, and even chocolate can reduce cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, according to a new study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers examined data relating to more than 34,000 women free of cardiovascular disease (CVD) at the beginning of the Iowa Women's Health Study, which took place between 1986 and 2002. Over a 16-year period, CVD, as well as coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and total mortality were measured. Intake of total flavonoids was also monitored, and divided into seven subclasses -- including anthocyanins found in blueberries, raspberries and red wine; flavanones from citrus fruits; and flavones, which are found in parsley and celery. The women whose diets contained high amounts of anthocyanins -- which give blueberries and red grapes their color and have also proven to be powerful antioxidant sources -- were less likely to die from cardiovascular diseases, coronary heart disease, or from any other cause than those whose diet included little or no anthocyanins. Flavanone intake was linked to lower risk of death due to coronary heart disease; flavone intake was associated with lower risk of death for all reasons.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• If you read the first article today, you may think that there are a number of "magic bullets" you can take to prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, etc, but the truth is none of these substances prevent, cure, or ward off these diseases.


• Your body is innately (naturally) designed to maintain health and prevent disease, and it will accomplish this task perfectly if you give it pure and sufficient amounts of good foods and nutrients, avoid toxicity and deficiency, and allow your body clear communication pathways.


• Flavonoids are just one of many necessary substances your body requires you to eat so it will appropriately self-regulate, and the best way to get sufficient nutrition is through fresh uncooked foods that are in season, locally grown, and preferably organic. Blueberries, raspberries, and peas are peaking or past peak. You may find them on sale in the grocery store, so load up on them. There are also many vegetables coming into season such as broccoli, beans, and zucchini. Seek these foods out and good health will follow.

Smart Babies

DHA Supplementation During Pregnancy

New research reaffirms that DHA supplementation during pregnancy improves cognitive function in infants and children. A study published this month in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that infants born to mothers who consumed DHA from fish oil (300 mg/day) demonstrated better problem solving abilities than those who consumed a corn oil placebo.
This data supports earlier work published in 2003 that showed children born to mothers who supplemented with 2 tsp Cod Liver Oil daily during pregnancy and lactation had higher IQs at age four when compared to children of mothers who consumed placebo.
Maternal DHA intake during pregnancy is far below the currently recommended amount (minimum of 300 mg/day), which may be contributing to the unprecedented incidence of neurological and behavioral problems that face children today.
During the last trimester of pregnancy, mothers selectively transfer DHA to the fetus to support the growth of the brain, eyes, and nervous system. Without sufficient intake, mothers become
depleted of DHA and increase their risk of suffering major depressive symptoms in the postpartum period. In fact, population studies have shown that lower intakes of DHA are associated with higher rates of postpartum depression. It is well established that the essential fatty acid, DHA, is a critical component to a healthy pregnancy. However, a recent survey of expecting mothers showed that in 68% of the women surveyed, their doctor never mentioned DHA, and half of the women surveyed had never heard of it.


Dr. Zach's Comments:

• Omega 3 fatty acid of which DHA is one are essential to good health. Understand that they ARE NOT just another supplement to boost your health, but are molecules your body absolutely needs. In fact, your body will malfunction without them. Here's a list of conditions that have been associated with deficiencies of Omega 3 fatty acids: ADHD, Depression, Post Partum Depression, Alzheimer's, Heart Disease, Heart Arythmias, Skin Disorders, and many more.


• Why are Omega 3 fatty acids so important? Because they are in a class of molecules called Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). Essential means you have to have them and you have to get them through your diet because you body will not create them on its own. Fatty acid refers the to components of the molecule: an amino acid (protein) and lipid (fat) combination. EFAs make up the outer membrane of nearly every cell in your body. That's important because the outer membrane is the cells "filter" and regulates what can or cannot get into the cell. If the cell cannot properly regulate what goes in or comes out of it, it cannot regulate it's health, and if it cannot regulate it's health...disease sets in.


• Where do Omega 3's come from. You can get Omega 3 fatty acids from the following: Wild game and fish (especially marine animals), grass fed meets (beef, bison) and free range poultry, flax seeds and oil, and supplements (fish oil, cod liver oil, flax oil). You cannot find Omega 3s in Grain fed beef or bison, grain fed poultry, farm raised fish.


• The fact that Omega 3s are so very important to our lives and our bodies is what keeps me an Omnivore and not a Vegetarian. There is no way our ancestors and therefore the Human race could have survived without Omega 3 fatty acids from animal sources, and they certainly did not run around chewing on flax seeds.


• Get your Omega 3s. Period. The easiest, most effective, safest way is through a pharmaceutical grade fish oil.

Whipping Whiplash with Chiropractic Care

Multiple Studies Confirm Positive Outcomes of Chiropractic Care for Whiplash Injuries

CARMICHAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (http://www.f4cp.org/), a not-for-profit organization, points to four published research studies which validate that chiropractic care provides significant, ongoing relief for whiplash. Whiplash is defined as an injury to the cervical spine caused by an abrupt jerking motion of the head, backward or forward, often occurring from rear on-set automobile accidents and amusement rides or the result of falls, accidents and sporting activities.
“Nearly one out of 15 adult Americans suffers from the annoying and sometimes debilitating long-term effects of whiplash injury, usually in the form of neck stiffness and pain,” states Arthur C. Croft, D.C., M.Sc., M.P.H., F.A.C.O. director of the Spine Research Institute, San Diego, CA and a member of the Foundation. “While chiropractic care in the acute stage can often stave off this unpleasant outcome, two of the studies have shown that even in the chronic stage, chiropractic intervention can provide up to 90 percent relief for these sufferers.”
Dr. Croft cites research reported in Injury (27(9), 643-645) where authors Gargan and Bannister state, “93 percent of the 28 patients studied retrospectively were found to have a statistically significant improvement following chiropractic care. In a follow-up study published in Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine, 21(1), authors Khan, Cook, Gargan, & Bannister conclude, “Whiplash injuries are common. Chiropractic is the only proven effective treatment in chronic cases. Our study enables patients to be classified at initial assessment in order to target those patients who will benefit from such treatment.”
Additionally, Croft points to two studies reported in the Journal of Manipulative Physiology and Therapy, 28(1), 3-11 in which authors Giles and Muller state, “For chronic spinal pain in general, when compared to acupuncture and traditional medical approaches, chiropractic has generally be shown to be more effective.”

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• A couple of point to "drive" home: 1) Notice that the studies discussed here reveal that, if taken care of immediately (in the acute stage), chronic pain can often be avoided. However, if it is not taken care of immediately, chiropractic care is still extremely effective, but some residuals of the accident do remain. Also note that according to this article, chiropractic care is the only proven effective treatment in CHRONIC cases.


• So, if you have been in an automobile accident or are in one in the future, see a chiropractor as soon as possible. Regardless of how you feel or felt right after the accident, chiropractic care has been shown to greatly reduce chronic nagging problems that show up years after the accident.


• If your children were in an auto accident (large or small) get them in immediately. Children are very resilient and their bodies are able to adapt to spinal injury quickly. The problem however lies in that adaptability. Injuries can heal in the wrong position and not show up as pain until years or even decades later. Having your child's spine examined for subluxations now can prevent significant problems in the future.


• Why do all these problems arise in the first place? Spinal trauma (such as from an auto accident) can cause soft tissue injury and bone/joint misalignment which in turn causes a cascade of other negative events including scar tissue development, muscle shortening, nerve damage, and chronic inflammation. All of these events cause dysfunction and eventual degeneration of the spine and surrounding tissues. The only way to prevent this is to properly rehabilitate the area of injury, and chiropractic is the only treatment that addresses all these components at once.

Make Your Breast Milk Healthier Through Laughter

Laughter elevates the levels of breast-milk melatonin.

(Journal of Phychosomatic Research, June, 2007) Patients with atopic eczema (AE) often complain of sleep disturbance. Melatonin is involved in sleep, and the levels of blood melatonin in patients with AE are decreased in comparison to healthy subjects. The effect of laughter on the levels of breast-milk melatonin was studied in mothers with AE. Moreover, the effect of feeding with breast milk after laughter on allergic responses in infants was studied.

Forty-eight infants aged 5-6 months were enrolled. All of the infants had AE and were allergic to latex and house dust mite (HDM). Half of the mothers of these infants were patients with AE, while another 24 mothers were healthy subjects. The mothers viewed either an 87-min humorous DVD (Modern Times, featuring Charlie Chaplin) or an 87-min nonhumorous weather information DVD. The levels of breast-milk melatonin were measured. In addition, skin wheal responses to HDM and histamine were studied in infants.

Laughter caused by viewing a humorous DVD increased the levels of breast-milk melatonin in both mothers with AE and healthy mothers. In addition, allergic responses to latex and HDM of infants were reduced by feeding with breast milk after laughter of mothers with AE or of healthy mothers.

Laughter increased the levels of breast-milk melatonin in both mothers with AE and healthy mothers, and feeding infants with increased levels of melatonin-containing milk reduced allergic responses in infants. Thus, laughter of mothers may be helpful in the treatment of infants with AE.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• There's two things that are truly great about this study. 1) There is no bias from researchers with vested interest. In other words, there is nothing to sell after this research is published (except maybe Charlie Chaplin movies). No drug, no potion or pill... just a natural way for your body to produce what it already has the ability to make and can do when given the right environment. 2) The study also shows the power of the human mind. These individuals were not consciously trying to increase their melatonin levels through emotion, but it happened anyway. What you may not realize is that this is something you can consciously do every day.


• Your attitude and belief system has a huge impact on your health, and it's something you can absolutely control. In fact your emotional state may be one of the most important factors in your health (yes, even more than chiropractic). Some say: "I'll believe it when I see it." What I'm telling you is You will see it when you believe it.

Backpack Safety

Take pain out of returning to school

(Cincinnati Community Press) The National Chiropractic Association warns that excessive or unevenly distributed weight in a backpack can put strain on a child's growing spine, which can lead to serious back pain, changes in posture and gait, and potential irritation and injury of the spine, joints and muscles.
In a recent report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 75 percent of the children studied suffered from some sort of back pain with backpacks being a large contributor. Backpack guidelines suggest that children should carry no more than 10 percent of their total body weight in their backpack. The safety commission found that one-third of school children regularly carried more than 30 percent of their weight in their backpack.
Chiropractor Virginia Cantillon says, "We see more kids with back pain that is directly attributable to the weight they are carrying. They are having neck problems, mid- and lower-back pain."
Overloaded bags will initially cause some pain around the neck, which can lead to other conditions like headaches, and eventually impaired mechanical movement.
Here are a few simple recommendations and guidelines that can make a world of difference in a child's spinal health:
* Choose a backpack that is proportionate to body size and not larger than needed.
* Select a backpack made of lightweight material.
* The shoulder straps should be at least two inches wide, adjustable and padded.
* A backpack should have a padded back for added protection and comfort.
* Evenly distribute contents and pack the heaviest items close to the body.
* Backpacks should never exceed 15 percent of a secondary school child's body weight or 10 percent of an elementary school child's body weight.
Following these recommendations will take some of the pain out of returning to school.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• The fact that more and more children are having health issues such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches is a disturbing trend and a sign that their environment is not one that promotes health. Furthermore we are seeing other heath issues arise is children that were just a decade ago seen only in adults (type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer).


• Your children cannot make appropriate decisions about their health and well being, therefore YOU MUST MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS FOR THEM! Make sure they are getting a nutritionally adequate diet, plenty of activity and sleep, and spiritual guidance. Also make the effort to ward off preventable ailments through proactive approaches to health issues such as backpack screenings (offered at McCabe Family Chiropractic and McCabe Chiropractic and Wellness Center in 2 months!), chiropractic spinal screenings, and other health and wellness oriented check-ups by other health care providers.


• Allowing spinal injuries (even small ones) to go uncorrected in children can lead to much more serious problems in the future. Furthermore, these injuries (we call them subluxations) can prevent a child or adult from reaching their maximum potential because of the nerve system involvement. Have your child checked for subluxations today!

The Zero Calorie Killer

Aspartame Causes Cancer in Rats at Levels Currently Approved for Humans

A statistically significant increase in the incidence of malignant tumors, lymphomas and leukemias in rats exposed to varying doses of aspartame appears to link the artificial sweetener to a high carcinogenicity rate, according to a study accepted for publication today by the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP).

"Our study has shown that aspartame is a multipotential carcinogenic compound whose carcinogenic effects are also evident at a daily dose of 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg), notably less than the current acceptable daily intake for humans," the authors write. Currently, the acceptable daily intake for humans is set at 50 mg/kg in the United States and 40 mg/kg in Europe.

Aspartame is the second most widely used artificial sweetener in the world. It is found in more than 6,000 products including carbonated and powdered soft drinks, hot chocolate, chewing gum, candy, desserts, yogurt, and tabletop sweeteners, as well as some pharmaceutical products like vitamins and sugar-free cough drops. More than 200 million people worldwide consume it. The sweetener has been used for more than 30 years, having first been approved by the FDA in 1974.

The treated animals showed extensive evidence of malignant cancers including lymphomas, leukemias, and tumors at multiple organ sites in both males and females. The authors speculate the increase in lymphomas and leukemias may be related to one of the metabolites in aspartame, namely methanol, which is metabolized in both rats and humans to formaldehyde. Both methanol and formaldehyde have shown links to lymphomas and leukemias in other long-term experiments by the same authors.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• If you are drinking Diet Soda because you still believe it is healthier for you...STOP IMMEDIATELY. There is potentially nothing more disease causing in our American Diets than soft drinks (especially those sweetened with aspartame, aka NutraSweet, aka artificial sweeteners).


• Your body metabolizes aspartame into some very dangerous and deadly compounds. Aspartame's metabolites include aspartic acid (also found in the venom of poisonous insects such as fire ants), methanol (caused blindness in those who tried to substitute it for alcohol in prohibition times) and finally formaldehyde (a preservative... hey at least you'll be saving the mortician some work when you die from drinking this stuff!).


• Jokes aside, folks, aspartame has always been and will continue to be a huge disease causer in our society. Please, Please stop drinking diet sodas, and for that matter truly limit any soda you drink as nothing good can come from you drinking it.


• What your body genuinely desires is water, and a lot more of it than you're giving it. If you can drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of pure water per day, you'll be amazed by the results (and no...the water in juices and teas don't count). Remember, over 80% of your body is water, and if you don't replenish what's lost through sweat, breathing, and elimination, you'll find yourself in a chronically dehydrated state. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, joint and muscle pain, cramping, mood swings, and many more issues.