Clarity

CLARITY
clar-i-ty (noun) the quality of being clearly expressed


Congratulations for taking another step in the recovery of one of your most precious assets…Your Health! Here, at McCabe Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we want to make it perfectly clear that our number one goal is to aid you in the recovery of your health. Therefore, we feel it is vitally important that you are clear on the terms and language you will hear us use in our center. Below are words we want you to know. Some you have never heard before, while others you may hear every day. Regardless, understanding these terms will aid you on this journey toward a more complete state of being we call Wholeness.



Life Energy
There is an energy present in living things that is absent in non-living things. This life energy is used by every cell in your body for animation, coordination, adaptation, healing, and growth.

Health (aka Ease)
Health and Ease are synonymous terms in our office. Health (Ease) describes a time when your mind and body are functioning normally and easily adapting to common stresses in your daily life. This natural and dynamic state is a result of the adequate expression of life energy in your body and is a state your body desires.

Disease and Dis-Ease
Disease is a term used by the Medical Profession to describe sickness. To them Disease is an entity that you can have and is worthy of a name and therefore a diagnosis.

Dis-Ease is a term used in Chiropractic to describe a time when Ease (Health) has been lost. To us, Ease is the entity and Dis-Ease is the lack of it. Therefore, Dis-ease indicates the lack of normal expression of life energy in your body. That expression of life energy needs to be restored in order to regain health (ease).


Subluxation
Subluxation is a state of being in which you are not fully expressing your life energy. This state usually occurs when there is an interruption in the neurological connection between your brain and your body and most often exists in your spine. This interference to your brain-body connection results is a progressive loss of your natural state of Ease (period?) and pushes you in the direction of Dis-Ease.

Chiropractic Adjustment
The Chiropractic adjustment is a specific impulse given to the body (most often your spine) with the intention of RESTORING the neurological connection between you and your body. This specific impulse progressively restores the flow of your life energy and therefore your natural and dynamic state of Ease (health), thus allowing your Innate Intelligence to move you toward wholeness via the healing process.

Wellness
Wellness is a state of being where you have the ability to successfully adapt to greater than average stresses in your daily life. This ability is a result of an appropriate expression of your life energy and integration of positive lifestyle choices thus allowing you to continually grow stronger and move toward wholeness.

Wholeness
Wholeness is complete integration of mind, body, and spirit allowing you to lovingly express your purpose and full potential in every area of your life.


Other definitions you may want to know:

Chiropractic
Chiropractic is the science, art, and philosophy of restoring and maintaining the neurological connections of your body with the purpose of maximizing the expression of your life energy in your body.

Innate Intelligence
Innate Intelligence is the constructive force found in all living matter that maintains it in active organization, and is responsible for overseeing the processes of animation, coordination, adaptation, healing, and growth.

Healing (healing process)
Any movement toward wholeness regardless of where you are at any given moment.

Repel Insects and Sooth Bug Bites Naturally

Everyday Aromatherapy Part 3 : Repel Insects and Sooth Bug Bites Naturally

Submitted by Jennifer Nordin



This month’s featured essential oil blend is Purification which can naturally repel insects AND soothe bug bites of any kind. Ticks really hate this stuff! I put several drops in my palms and rub them together until the oil is ALMOST gone then rub my hands thoroughly over my shoes, socks, pant legs etc. Keeping in mind that everything we inhale or put on our skin ends up in our bloodstream, I don't want to inhale aerosol sprays or rub chemical insect repellents on myself or my toddler son. I make my own natural "bug wipes". I always carry a pack of fragrance free diaper wipes with me, so to make bug wipes on the go, I just pull out a wipe, put 2 or 3 drops of Purification on it and wipe it all over bare arms and legs until it is almost dry. If sitting outdoors, I'll set the wipe on or under the table for continued bug repelling.

Lemongrass, sage or thyme would work, too, but might irritate your skin so put it on your pant cuffs and shirt sleeves. As for your pets, you can put oils such as Purification, around their necks and backs, but watch to keep oils from around their eyes. So there you have it. Non-toxic pest control.



Shelleen Steele submitted the following tip:

“I went camping with a few different families. I took along my new Travel Fan Diffuser, with an idea to diffuse Purification® essential oil blend inside our trailer to keep the bugs away. When I got back from a hike, my husband had placed the diffuser outside on a table. I noticed that everyone was at our camp. The reason being was that their camps were full of bugs, but ours was bug free!”



Travel Fan Diffuser
Item No. 4457



Purification
Item No. 3399 15 ml

These items are available online at oilsforwellness.younglivingworld.com or call 715-381-6979 to order.

After-Bite Remedies by David Stewart, Ph.D., R.A.
“Therapeutic grade essential oils are not only good insect repellents, they are also excellent after you have been bitten. Essential oils are great detoxifiers for insect bites because their chemistry can break down the poison and render it harmless. Because the molecules of essential oils are all lipid soluble and very tiny (less than than 500 amus) they all transdermal. Thus, when applied to a bite, they pass through the skin in sec?onds, reacting with the toxins injected by the insect and reducing their toxic effects. I was stung by a wasp recently and, within a few minutes, put Purification oil on it the area that had become red and swollen. The stinging sensation soon resided and within a few hours I could not tell that I had ever been stung.”

PURIFICATION Essential Oil Blend

This is an antiseptic blend formulated for diffusing to help purify the home and work environment. It cleanses the air and neutralizes mildew, cigarette smoke, and disagreeable odors, as well as repelling insects. When applied directly to the skin, Purification may be used to cleanse cuts and scrapes and may help neutralize the poison of bites from spiders, bees, hornets, wasps.

CONTAINS:

· Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) is antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antispasmodic, and soothing to the tissues.

· Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) has strong antifungal properties when applied topically.

· Lavandin (Lavandula x hybrida) is antifungal, antibacterial, a strong antiseptic, and a tissue regenerator.

· Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is antiseptic and antimicrobial and may be beneficial for skin conditions and dandruff. It may help fight Candida and is anti-infectious and antispasmodic.

· Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia) is antiseptic, anti-infectious, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulating, decongestant, neurotonic, and protects against radiation.

· Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is antibacterial and may support immune function in fighting cold, flu, and infectious disease.



APPLICATIONS: Diffuse 15 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours. Apply topically to disinfect and cleanse. Put on cotton balls to place in air vents in the home, car, hotel room, office, enclosed areas, etc. for purifying and repelling insects.

· Diffuse Purification oil to clean the air and neutralize foul or stale odors.

· While traveling, inhale Purification oil during flights to protect you from pathogens found in the re-circulated air.

· Put a drop of Purification oil on insect bites to cleanse and stop the itching.

· Apply a drop of Purification oil on blemishes to clear the skin.

· Rub a drop of Purification oil on the outside of a sore throat when it is first beginning.

· Spritz several drops of Purification oil mixed with water to repel insects.

· Apply Purification oil and Peppermint oil diluted with V-6 Vegetable Mixing Oil to a cotton swab and rub just inside the ear to eliminate ear mites in cats and dogs.



SAFETY DATA: If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician prior to use. May be irritating to those with sensitive skin. Avoid eye contact. In case of accidental contact, put a few drops of any pure vegetable oil in the eye and call your doctor if necessary. Never use wa?ter.



To obtain a FREE product guide for therapeutic essential oils and diffusers contact Jennifer Nordin.



Order online at oilsforwellness.younglivingworld.com Visit Jennifer’s aromatherapy blog: oilsforwellness.blogspot.com



Jennifer Nordin, Massage and Aromatherapy Practitioner

At Peace Therapeutic Massage (exclusively for women)

2217 Vine Street, Suite 203,Hudson, Wisconsin 54016

715-381-6979

wisdom4wellness@aol.com

Our Core Ideas

Recently Dr. Matt and I have been focusing our attention on clarity. One of our first tasks was writing down in an easy to read way the basic premises that drive our practice. I would like to share them with you as I believe they are of utmost importance in regards to your health and your understanding of chiropractic.



Our Core Ideas


1. Everything In Life Is Continually Changing, Including Your Body. Your body must constantly adapt and change to your environment to stay alive. EVERY MOMENT, your body is either growing stronger and moving towards health, wellness, and wholeness, or growing weaker and moving away from health and the state of wholeness it desires.

2. You Are More Than Just Your Body. In you (and in all LIVING things) there is an energy present that is absent in NON-LIVING things. This “life energy” is used by every cell in your body to carry out all the activities and functions needed to keep you alive and well.

3. Health Is A Product Of The Normal Expression Of Your Life Energy. Health is the result when your mind and body FUNCTION NORMALLY and easily ADAPT to common stresses in your daily life. This natural and dynamic state is a result of the adequate expression of life energy in your body.

4. Your Body Requires Specific Elements For Health. In order to maximize the expression of your life energy you need three key elements: 1) a deliberate and POSITIVE FOCUS, 2) a HEALTHY LIFESTYLE, and 3) a CLEAR NEUROLOGICAL CONNECTION between your brain and your body.

5. Your Brain-Body Connection Is Regulated By Your Spine. A clear neurological connection between your brain and body, and the maximum expression of your life energy, is only possible when your SPINE is ALIGNED and functioning normally.


THE PURPOSE OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE IS TO MAXIMIZE THE EXPRESSION OF YOUR LIFE ENERGY THROUGH RESTORING AND MAINTAINING THE NEUROLOGICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN YOUR BRAIN AND YOUR BODY.

Why Pregnant Moms Need Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

I came across this blog post by Dr. Risa M. Sloves DC. Enjoy!
Dr. Zach

Top Five Reasons Pregnant Moms Need Chiropractic Care

1. Low Back Pain and Sciatica

If you are pregnant and suffering from lower back pain you are not alone! Roughly one half of all mothers-to-be suffer from low back pain and doctors now agree that pregnancy related low back pain is associated with a condition called sacroiliac joint dysfunction (often referred to by chiropractors as SI subluxation). A subluxation is a misalignment of a joint and it creates irritation to the nerves and tissues in the surrounding area. Many hormones increase rapidly during pregnancy and some of these hormones relax the muscles, ligaments, and joints in the body. This allows the pelvis to open during delivery so that the baby’s head and shoulders can pass through the birth canal. Yet, it is this relaxation combined with weight gain, postural changes and stretching of the stomach muscles that also disturbs the proper alignment of the spine and pelvis producing subluxations during pregnancy. It is these factors that increase the stress on the joints, nerves, and discs of the low back and pelvis and create pain.

Sciatica, a common symptom that occurs during pregnancy, causes pain, tingling or numbness from the low back to the back of the leg and foot. Sciatica often occurs because of subluxations in the low back or pelvis along with muscle spasms in this area. Most cases of sciatica will quickly disappear with chiropractic care.

2. Headaches
Due to the changes in a pregnant woman’s posture, extra stress often occurs in the neck and the midback. Subluxations of the neck are often the cause of neck pain and headaches during pregnancy, and again chiropractic care will help.

3.Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes painful tingling, burning and numbness into the wrist and hand and it occurs in approximately 20% of all pregnancies. Subluxation of the wrist bones often occurs during pregnancy because of hormonal changes and swelling of the wrist and hands,and guess what, chiropractic adjustments can help.

4. Mid-back and Rib Pain
Pain in the midback that radiates into the ribcage is often due to subluxations that cause the nerves between the ribs to get irritated. Chiropractic adjustments remove the subluxations to decrease the pain.

5. A Breech Baby
The “Webster Breech Turning Technique” is a non-invasive and gentle chiropractic technique that is highly successful in helping mothers with breech babies. The technique has been featured on the The Learning Channel’s “A Baby Story”, Mothering Magazine, and Midwifery Today. The way it works is the following: The uterus is attached to the bones of the pelvis by ligaments. As long as the bones are in the right position and are moving properly, the ligaments should provide equal and balanced support for the uterus. If the pelvis is misaligned or subluxated, the ligaments become torqued and can cause a condition known as “in-utero constraint”. If the uterus is constrained as birth approaches, the baby is prevented from getting into the best possible position for birth and may end up breech. Chiropractors correct the subluxations of the pelvis and decrease spasms in specific stomach muscles to help the baby turn.

By this time you are probably wondering “ How do Chiropractors correct these subluxations ?” Chiropractors correct subluxations by performing chiropractic adjustments. The adjustment is a gentle procedure where the Chiropractor applies light pressure to the joints of the spine to restore normal motion and alignment, decrease stress on the nervous system, and decrease pain and muscle spasm. Chiropractors who specialize in maternity care will often have special adjusting tables for the pregnant mother so that she can lie on her stomach without any pressure (they love these tables!) so that her spine can be examined.

So, while a pregnant woman adjusts to her new body during her pregnancy, it is important for her to learn and understand the benefits that chiropractic adjustments may offer in terms of improving her overall health as an expectant mother. First of all, Chiropractors are the only doctors who are licensed to diagnose and correct subluxations. Second, chiropractic offers a drug-free approach to pain reduction. Obviously, it is not ideal for pregnant women to take unnecessary medication. Chiropractic provides relief without the worry that comes from taking medication.

And finally, scientific studies prove chiropractic works! Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy restores balance to the pelvis and the muscles and ligaments that attach to it and therefore leads to better deliveries for you and your baby. Studies show that expectant mothers who receive chiropractic care are less likely to suffer from the dreaded “backlabor” and they have reduced labor time.

Remember, pregnancy should be a time full of health and happiness! Don’t waste another minute suffering from pain or discomfort during your pregnancy. Work with your local chiropractor so that you can experience the quality of life you and your unborn child deserve!

Everyday Aromatherapy, Part 2 : Increase Indoor Oxygen by Diffusing Essential Oils

Everyday Aromatherapy, Part 2 : Increase Indoor Oxygen by Diffusing Essential Oils

Submitted by Jennifer Nordin MTP


As we begin to understand the power of essential oils (EOs) in the realm of personal, holistic healthcare, we will appreciate the necessity for obtain?ing the purest essential oils possible. No matter how costly pure essential oils may be, there can be no substitutes. Although chemists have success?fully recreated the main constituents and fragrances of some EOs in the laboratory, these synthetic oils lack therapeutic benefits and may even carry risks. Why? Because EOs contain hundreds of different naturally occurring chemical compounds, which, in combination, lend important therapeutic properties to the oil. Also, many EOs contain molecules and isomers that are impossible to manufacture in the lab. We will cover more information about the importance of pure oils in the future.

There are three basic ways to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy: diffusing or inhalation, topical application to the skin, and ingestion as a supple?ment (the bottle MUST be labeled as a SUPPLEMENT for safe use). In this article we are going to focus on diffusing essential oils and how this method can improve indoor air quality.

Why Should We Diffuse Essential Oils Instead of Using Those Common Air Fresheners?

▪ Researching air freshener/plug-in ingredients from their Material Safety Data Sheets we find that these ingredients are toxic. Let’s look at a few of the toxic chemicals in air fresheners/plug-ins (Fleming):

Benzyl Alcohol - “…upper respiratory tract irritation, headaches, nausea and vomiting, a depressed central nervous system and a drop in blood pres?sure.”

Camphor - “On EPA's Hazardous Waste List… readily absorbed through the body tissues…irritation of eyes, skin, nose, and throat…dizziness, con?fusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions…avoid inhalation of vapors.”

Dichlorobenzene - “extremely toxic, a central nervous system depressant, kidney and liver poison. One of the chlorinated hydrocarbons that is long-lasting in the environment and is stored in body fat. Vapor irritating to skin, eyes and throat. Banned in California.”

Ethanol-- “… derived from petroleum and is carcinogenic… toxic to the skin, respiratory, cardiovascular, developmental, endocrine, neurological, and gastrointestinal systems.”

Formaldehyde - “…toxic if inhaled, poisonous if swallowed, skin and eye irritant, carcinogenic…”

Naphthalene - “… a carcinogen that accumulates in our waters and marine life. It can be irritating to the skin, alter kidney function, cause cataracts, and is toxic (cardiovascular and developmental), especially to children. It can be poisonous if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin.

▪ Air “fresheners,” according to the Household Hazardous Waste Project, do not freshen the air at all. What they do is mask one odor with another, while diminishing one’s sense of smell with a nerve-deadening agent (Pitts, Whiff).

▪ Colorado researchers have helped figure out why mothballs and air fresheners can cause cancer - their chemicals block the natural process of "cell suicide," allowing tumors to develop (Scanlon).

The Healthy Benefits of Diffusing Essential Oils

Diffused oils alter the structure of molecules that create odors, rather than just masking them. They also increase oxygen availability, produce negative ions, and release natural ozone. Many essential oils such as lemongrass, lemon, Purification blend, Citrus Fresh blend, and Thieves blend are highly antibacterial and are extremely effective for eliminating and destroying airborne bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors.

Research shows that cold air diffusing certain oils may also:

· Relax the body, relieve tension, and clear the mind.
· Help with weight management.
· Improve circulation, alertness, and mental clarity.
· Stimulate neurotransmitters and secretion of endorphins.
· Stimulate growth hormone production and receptivity.
· Improve digestive function and hormone balance.
· Relieve headaches.

A cold air diffuser is designed to atomize a microfine mist of EOs into the air, where they can remain suspended for up to several hours. Unlike aroma lamps or candles, it disperses oils without heating or burning, which render the oil therapeutically less beneficial and even create toxic compounds.

(From Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition, Essential Science Publishing)

If you don’t have a diffuser yet, you can benefit from pure EOs by the following simple methods.

Simple Inhalation:

Place 2 or more drops of EO into the palm of the left hand, and rub clockwise with the flat palm of the right hand. Cup hands together over nose and mouth and inhale deeply. Avoid placing hands near eye area. If oil should get into eyes, use vegetable oil, rather than water, and gently swipe a cotton swab toward tear ducts.


Misting Spray: Add several drops of EOs to 1 ounce of distilled water in a dark amber or blue GLASS spray bottle. Do not use plastic containers as EOs may react and break down plastic.

To obtain a FREE product guide for therapeutic essential oils, aromatherapy supplies, and diffusers you may contact Jennifer Nordin.

Or order online at oilsforwellness.younglivingworld.com.


Jennifer Nordin, Massage and Aromatherapy Practitioner
AtPeace Therapeutic Massage (exclusively for women)
2217 Vine Street, Suite 203
Hudson, Wisconsin 54016
715-381-6979
wisdom4wellness@aol.com

High Cholesterol? Lower Your "Number" Naturally.

We all know someone (maybe it's you) with high cholesterol. But did you know you can lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels naturally? You can, at least according to recent research from Mayo Clinic showing that Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils and a supplement called Red Yeast Rice Extract actually did a better job than conventional cholesterol medications.

Researchers in Pennsylvania followed 74 patients with high cholesterol and randomly assigned them to either the alternative treatment group or the statin group and followed their progress for three months.

The alternative treatment group received daily fish oil and red yeast rice supplements, and they were enrolled in a 12-week multidisciplinary lifestyle program that involved weekly 3.5-hour educational meetings led by a cardiologist, dietitian, exercise physiologist and several alternative or relaxation practitioners.

The statin group participants received 40 milligrams (mg) of Zocor (simvastatin) daily, as well as printed materials about diet and exercise recommendations. At the end of the three-month period, participants from both groups underwent blood cholesterol testing to determine the percentage change in LDL cholesterol.

The researchers noted that there was a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in both groups. The alternative treatment group experienced a 42.4 percent reduction, and the statin group experienced a 39.6 percent reduction. Members of the alternative therapy group also had a substantial reduction in triglycerides, another form of fat found in the blood, and lost more weight.

Mayo Clinic (2008, July 10). Lowering Blood Cholesterol With Fish Oil And Red Yeast Rice Instead Of Statins. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 10, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com? /releases/2008/07/080708122441.htm


Dr. Zach's Comments:

-In order to move toward health, wellness, and wholeness in your life, you need three key elements: 1) a deliberate and positive focus 2) a healthy lifestyle and 3) a clear connection between your brain and your body.
-This study demonstrates that lifestyle changes (in this instance dietary changes) has a profound effect on your life and health. Omega 3 fatty acids are a necessary requirement of every cell in your body, and therefore should be a staple in your diet through either foods or supplements. The DAILY MINIMUM you should be getting is 1000mg (1g), but studies show 2000mg (2g) is more likely what our body needs for optimum function each day. The following list shows the amount of omega 3's in common foods:

Fish Portion Total n-3 FA (g)
Salmon, cold water, fresh and frozen, cooked 4 oz. 1.7
Sardines, canned in oil, drained 4 oz. 1.8
Tuna, canned in water, drained 4 oz. 0.3
Tuna, canned in oil, drained 4 oz. 0.2
Cod, fresh and frozen, cooked 4 oz. 0.6
Mackerel, canned, drained 4 oz. 2.2
Swordfish, fresh and frozen, cooked 4 oz. 1.7
Crab, soft shell, cooked 4 oz. 0.6
Lobster, cooked 4 oz. 0.1
Bluefish, fresh and frozen, cooked 4 oz. 1.7
Salmon, canned, drained 4 oz. 2.2
Smelt, rainbow 4 oz. 0.5
Scallops, Maine, fresh and frozen, cooked 4 oz. 0.5


Nuts & Seeds Portion Total n-3 FA (g)
Almonds, dry roasted 1 oz. 0
Walnuts 1 oz. 2.6
Flax seeds 1 oz. 1.8
Pecans, dry roasted 1 oz. 0.3
Pistachios, roasted 1 oz. 0.1
Poppy seeds 1 oz. 0.1
Pumpkin seeds, shelled 1 oz. 0.1
Sesame seeds 1 oz. 0.1
Oils Portion Total n-3 FA (g)
Walnut oil 1 Tbsp. 1.4
Soybean oil, unhydrogenated 1 Tbsp. 0.9
Flax seed oil 1 Tbsp. 6.9
Canola oil 1 Tbsp. 1.3
Cod liver oil 1 Tbsp. 2.8
Olive oil 1 Tbsp. 0.1
Sardine oil 1 Tbsp. 3.7


Grains & Beans Portion Total n-3 FA (g)
Soybeans, dried, cooked ½ cup 0.5
Tofu, regular 4 oz. 0.3
Greens Portion Total n-3 FA (g)
Spinach, fresh, cooked ½ cup 0.1
Green leaf lettuce, fresh, raw 1 cup Trace
Red leaf lettuce, fresh, raw 1 cup Trace
Boston or Bibb lettuce, fresh, raw 1 cup Trace
Chard, cooked ½ cup 0
Turnip greens, cooked ½ cup Trace
Dandelion greens, cooked ½ cup 0.1
Kale, cooked ½ cup 0.1
Beet greens, cooked ½ cup Trace
Collard greens, cooked ½ cup 0.1
Mustard greens, fresh, cooked ½ cup Trace


-Red yeast rice is the product of yeast grown on rice. A dietary staple in some Asian countries, it contains several compounds known to inhibit cholesterol production. Although Red Yeast Rice Extract is very effective at inhibiting cholesterol production, please understand that cholesterol in your body is present because your body is making it. Cholesterol is the glue that holds our cells together and IS NEEDED in the body. Lowering cholesterol levels without getting to the reason why cholesterol is being overproduced in the first place can be very dangerous and lead to other health conditions.

-So, what should you do next? Seek the guidance of a trained natural health care provider such as your chiropractor or a good qualified nutritionist to assist you in making the lifestyle changes necessary to optimize your health and life.

Is Thin "Healthy"?

Being Physically Active More Important Than Being Lean, Says Research
(NaturalNews) Your physical fitness is more important than your weight in protecting your health, according to a new study conducted by researchers at the University of South Carolina and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Researchers followed 2,600 people over the age of 59 for 12 years, monitoring their physical fitness, obesity and mortality. Participants were ranked for fitness based on how long they could walk on a treadmill as the incline increased. Measures of obesity taken included body mass index, waist circumference and body fat percentage.

Participants were divided into fifths based on how well they scored on the treadmill test. Those in the lowest fifth were four times more likely to die during the study period as those in the top fifth.

"Being fit provides protection against mortality in these men and women 60 and older, whether they're normal weight, overweight or obese," said researcher Stephen Blair.

Even a small difference in fitness translated into a large difference in mortality -- even when compared only with the next highest group, those in the lowest fitness group were still twice as likely to die. Blair said this showed that overweight people should not be discouraged from exercising, even if they are out of shape and can only manage a little at first.

"If you're overweight or obese and you're sedentary and unfit and you start taking three 10-minute walks a day and you do that at least five days a week, you're not going to lose an enormous amount of weight," Blair said. "You're going to still be heavy. But you're going to be much healthier if you do that."

Blair noted that it is still important to maintain a healthy weight and eat a good diet, particularly one high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

"But what happens all too often is we focus nearly exclusively on obesity and forget the activity and fitness part."


Dr. Zach's Comments:

- Life is by definition, movement: movement of muscles; movement of blood cells; movement of nerve impulses; movement of food and nutrients through your body. There are five basic functions a living thing must do to survive: animation, coordination, adaptation, healing, and growth. All of these activities require the movement of something. Therefore, in order to understand how to maximize life, you must first understand what makes you “living”, and the key is the realization that you never stay the same.
- Physical Activity is a vital nutrient YOUR BODY ABSOLUTELY NEEDS is order to function normally and thrive. I promise you, if you can think of physical activity as such a vital nutrient (no different than food and water) you will find it becomes extremely fulfilling and enjoyable.
-You are designed to constantly adapt and change in your environment thus allowing your body the greatest ability to carry out its daily functions. If you are successful, you grow stronger and move towards health, wellness, and wholeness. If you are not able to adapt and change to you environment, you grow weaker and move away from health and the state of wholeness your body desires.
-Some great resources for beginning an exercise program are easily available right in your community or online. Check with your local gym or YMCA to find a certified personal trainer to help you get started. You will also find that these facilities often have walking, running, or biking clubs you can join for a combine social experience. If you go online, you can find great resources on sites like www.bodyforlife.com, americanheart.org, naturalnews.com, and many others.
-Remember to make a visit to your chiropractor. There's nothing that will hinder physical activity more than spinal misalignment and interference to the neurological connection between your brain and body!! The Purpose of Chiropractic Care is to RESTORE normal alignment and function in the spine in order to RE-ESTABLISH an appropriate brain-body connection so that you may RESUME the healing process and move toward Health, Wellness and Wholeness.

Everyday Aromatherapy- Part 1
(Article from Marketing Scents, 2005)
by guest author Jennifer Nordin, MTP

Essential Oil Basics
Essential oils are the highly concentrated, volatile, aromatic essences of plants. Essential oils contain hundreds of organic constituents, including hormones, vitamins and other natural elements that work on many levels. They are 75 to 100 times more concentrated than the oils in dried herbs.

All the countries of the world provide essential oils, making aromatherapy a truly global therapy, and information on the specific properties of each essential oils can be found in any one of the hundreds of books published worldwide on the topic.

Not all Oils are Created Equal
There are significant differences between synthetic fragrance oils and pure essential oils. Synthetic fragrance oils may duplicate the smell of the pure botanical, but the complex chemical components of each essential oil created in nature determine its true aromatic benefits. Synthetic fragrance oils do not have medicinal properties; they are NOT suitable for aromatherapy.

Gems of Nature
Pure essential oils, like precious jewelry or fine wine, are gems of nature -- the quintessential life force of aromatic plants, sometimes called the "soul" of the plant. People who truly appreciate the qualities of pure essential oils consider each drop a precious jewel to be savored, enjoyed and protected.

Essential oils are absorbed into the fluid surrounding the cells beneath the skin's surface for a variety of effects including deep cleansing, nourishing, rejuvenating and balancing. Essential oils also diffuse into the air to provide olfactory benefits.

Extraction of Essential Oils
To extract essential oils in the most effective manner while preserving their therapeutic benefits, they are either distilled or expressed. The two methods are briefly explained below.

Distillation
Pure essential oils are most commonly extracted from plants through the process of steam distillation. In this process, steam is introduced into a distillation chamber which contains the plant material. The steam breaks down the plant tissue, causing it to release its essential oil in a vaporized form. The vaporized essences, along with the steam and other substances, pass into a pipe through cooling tanks. The vapors return to liquid form and are separated from the water and captured as pure essential plant oil.

Expression
Expression, also known as cold pressing, is done exclusively with citrus oils. In this method, the oil-containing outer layer of the fruit is pressed and filtered to yield pure essential oil.

It takes 50 pounds of eucalyptus, 150 pounds of lavender, 500 pounds of rosemary, 1,000 pounds of jasmine and over 2,000 pounds of rose to make a single pound of essential oil! The price of each essential oil is directly related to the amount of plant material needed for distillation.

(Article from Marketing Scents. 2005)

Next month in Everyday Aromatherapy Part 2 we will explore the benefits of diffusing essential oils.

About the Author:

Jennifer Nordin is a massage and aromatherapy practitioner with a passion for sharing her exciting journey in the field of therapeutic and medicinal essential oils.

Her interest in aromatherapy began in 2000, compelling her to spend hundreds of hours in training with Young Living Essential Oils and The Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education. She is currently working toward her Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner certification through the R.J Buckle Associates program for health care professionals. She has also studied Integrative Massage, Deep Tissue/ Sports Massage, and Acupressure at St. Croix Center for the Healing Arts and is certified in the Raindrop and VitaFlex (Tibetan reflexology) techniques.

Jennifer offers private consultations and wellness classes which focus on practical education and encourage the therapeutic use of essential oils to experience holistic benefits. She has presented workshops for the YMCA/Camp St. Croix Women's Wellness Retreat, the employees of The St. Paul Companies (Travelers), as well as church retreats and on site aromatherapy training for massage therapists and health/fitness practitioners.

Jennifer is the owner of AtPeace Therapeutic Massage and resides in Hudson with her husband and young son.

AtPeace Therapeutic Massage( female clients only by appt)
2217 Vine Street, Suite 203
Hudson, Wisconsin 54016
715-381-6979
JenniferNordin.marketingscents.com

Lifting weights: "When is a good time for my child to start?”

“Lifting, when is a good time for my child to start?”
A hot topic in Sports Medicine
by guest author Richard Larsen, PT


The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) have all made position statements that lifting is safe for children with proper supervision and technique.

Incidence Rate of Injury: In a study of 354 adolescents there was an injury rate of 7.6% with the authors citing poor supervision as a possible cause. Subsequent studies have showed a reduction in injuries to as low as .3% when the children are supervised. Study after study suggests that children are not more likely to injure their growth plates unless they are not supervised and/or using improper technique.

What age can benefit?: In a study in 1996 (Faigenbaum et all) 7-12 year old boys and girls showed significant and large strength increases from resistance training. Until your child reaches puberty, the strength gains are likely due to neural adaptations versus changes in muscle size.

What age should I start my child? A common suggestion as to when to start strength training is twofold. (1) Your child may be ready if he/she has the emotional maturity to accept and follow directions. (2) Your child may be ready to lift if they are able to participate in organized sports. A trained healthcare professional, like a physical therapist, is a great resource not only to help you determine when it is safe to start strength training, but also help teach proper technique.

How many sets/repetitions should my child complete when lifting? 8-12 repetitions per set, 1-3 sets, 2-3 times per week. A child or anyone completing lifting should be able to perform 3 sets with relative ease before increasing the weight during the next training session. All three major experts listed above emphasize NOT focusing on maximum weights with children. When a child reaches skeletally maturity, the lifter can begin maximum lifting, again under proper supervision and with proper technique.

What should my child focus on when lifting? FORM, FORM, FORM! Proper technique and safety should be the emphasis, not the amount of weight lifted. Risk versus reward should be evaluated with high velocity, high force lifts like a deadlift. Additional focus should be placed on safety with lifts of higher risk due to their weight exposure (bench, squat, clean). The program should include a warm up/cool down, aerobic exercise, and contain all major muscle groups.

Before your child starts a lifting program a healthcare professional, like those at Larsen Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy, should be consulted. When your child has proper supervision during all lifting and has been taught and consistently uses proper technique, lifting can be safe and provide benefit to your child’s athletic performance and overall wellness.


About the Author



Richard Larsen is the owner of Larsen Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy, Inc. (LSMPT). LSMPT has been providing physical therapy and athletic training services for the St. Croix Valley since March of 2006. Services are provided at several locations including Hudson, Roberts (shared space with McCabe Chiropractic), and through the athletic training room at Hudson High School. Richard’s specialties include sports medicine, orthotic fabrication and foot care, back and neck pain, and industrial medicine. His interests outside of sports medicine include running, hanging out with his wife, Brenda, and two children, Ty and Allie, camping, and playing basketball.

Prevent Housework Related Back Troubles

Household chores can literally be a pain in the backside.

Unless you're careful, routine activities around the home- washing dishes, vacuuming, even talking on the phone- can strain your back, including the lower back area near the tailbone, and result in debilitating discomfort.

But you can protect your back by knowing the right way to go about such activities, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). Watch your posture and consider these tips.

Consider lifting. It doesn't matter whether you're picking up your child or a heavy bucket of water, you need to do it the proper way to avoid injury.

How? Bend from the knees, not the waist. As you lift, hold the item as close to your body as possible. If you have to turn to place it, step in the direction of the turn. That way, you're not twisting your body and straining your spine.

Back-Saving Tips

The American Chiropractic Association suggest the following do's and don'ts for chores and relaxation:

- When you wash dishes, open the cabinet beneath the sink, bend one knee and put your foot on the shelf under the sink. Lean against the counter so some of your weight is supported in front.

- When ironing, raise one foot a bit. Place it on a small stool or a book to take some strain off your back.

- To vacuum, use a "fencer's stance." Put all your weight on one foot, then step forward and back with the other foot as you push the vacuum forward and back. Use the back foot as a pivot when you turn.

- While talking on the phone, don't cradle the phone between your ear and shoulder. That can lock up the spinal joints in the neck and upper back, and cause pain. Instead, hold the phone with your hand or use the speakerphone.

- While watching television or relaxing, don't use the sofa arm as a pillow. The angle is much too sharp for your neck.

- Use a cold pack if your back begins to hurt. Wrap an ice pack in a towel moistened with warm water. The warmth gives way to gradual cold, which likely will alleviate the discomfort. (No ice? Try frozen veggies instead.)

- If pain persists for more than a day or two or if you experience numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs, see a doctor of chiropractic. A doctor of chiropractic is an expert in spinal health and can help identify and treat your problem.

- Of course pain of any kind is worth your attention. Pain is quite simply a signal (a message) your body is sending you to alert you that damage has happened. In this case we're talking about physical damage of the spine and its surrounding tissues, but emotional pain, for example, is no different... it only happens when the damage has already been done.

- Therefore, the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure goes a long way when it comes to household related injuries. Our bodies are NOT designed to be so weak that simple household chores cause us damage, discomfort or pain. To prevent the above listed problems before they occur, you would be wise to keep your body strong through discipline and daily exercise in all areas of life including but not limited to emotional/ spiritual health, physical activity/ exercise, diet and nutrition. And most importantly you need to be sure that your spine and nerve system is in a state of proper alignment and function in order to allow your body to maintain and integrate all disciplines and exercises you do.

-Who can help you... We can.

Cancer Preventing Grilling Tips

ScienceDaily (May 24, 2008)

A recent study has found that Rosemary, a popular seasoning, can break up the carcinogenic (cancer-causing) compounds known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs)that form when the meat is grilled.

“Put a little bit on the surface,” Smith (the researcher at Kansas State University) advised grillers. “Rosemary extracts shouldn’t have much of an aroma to them. Most people don’t want a rosemary-flavored burger. So if you get the extract you don’t really know it’s there.”

Smith’s findings began with research into commercial rosemary extracts’ effect on stopping HCAs from forming in cooked beef patties. His research group found that the HCAs were reduced in levels ranging from 30 to 100 percent.

The presence of HCAs is a potential problem in cooked beef. The likelihood of their presence is influenced by cooking time and temperature. Previous studies showed that meat products cooked below 352 degrees Fahrenheit for less than four minutes had low or undetectable levels of HCAs. The HCAs would increase as temperature and cooking time increased.

Although lower temperatures and shorter cooking times can reduce the risk of HCA formation, those alternatives have their own problems. Lower temperatures can affect the taste adversely, Smith explained, noting that commercial steak houses cook at temperatures above 400 degrees F.


The better way may be to use rosemary extracts so temperatures can be still be kept high. Rosemary’s antioxidant content makes this method possible thanks to the presence of phenolic compounds. Those compounds – rosmarinic acid, carnosol and carnosic acid – block the HCAs before they can form during heating.

The results of the rosemary research tie in with previous findings from Smith’s group. Those studies showed that marinating steaks with certain herbs and spices also reduces HCAs. Rosemary is among those herbs and spices with basil, mint, sage, savory, marjoram, oregano and thyme, all rich in antioxidants.


Dr. Zach's Comments:

I thought I would share this article with you as grilling season is just starting. It's amazing that we can take such easy steps to prevent diseases, such as cancer in this case, with simple, easy to find, natural products.

Keep in mind that in order for your meat grilling experience to be truly healthy, your meat will need to be either grass fed or free range beef, pork, chicken, etc. The fat profile of conventionally raised meats is it's own cancer causing problem entirely.

Some highlights from the article I should point out:

1) The researchers used rosemary extract, which apparently has no taste and therefore would not affect the taste of your burger, Fresh rosemary from your herb garden would work just as well, however, you will certainly taste it (a good thing in my opinion).
2) The rosemary extract reduced levels of HCAs by 30-100% (AMAZING!!)
3) Cooking at lower temperatures (less than 352 degrees)further reduce the levels of HCAs.
4) Marinating steaks with certain herbs and spices also reduces HCAs. Rosemary is among those herbs and spices along with basil, mint, sage, savory, marjoram, oregano and thyme, all rich in antioxidants that could be used.
5)Happy Healthy Grilling!!!

Combat Pain with Exercise

ScienceDaily (Apr. 17, 2008)

A recent study published in Arthritis Care and Research journal concluded that regular exercise, specifically the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, is an effective course in significantly improving and managing arthritis pain.

The in-depth study looked at the effectiveness of the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, developed in 1987 to reduce pain and stiffness by keeping joints flexible and muscles strong. Key findings of the study include participants reporting a decrease in pain and fatigue, an increase in upper and lower extremity function, and an increase in strength after participating in the basic, eight-week exercise program. Also, participants who continued the exercise program independently, beyond eight weeks, sustained improvement in reduced stiffness.
“The study showed that the exercise program is suitable for every fitness level, even inactive older individuals,” said author of the study Leigh Callahan, Ph.D., Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “Many people believe the myth that exercise exacerbates their symptoms. The truth revealed in the study is that symptoms improved with exercise.”
The basic eight-week Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program consists of low-impact routines with gentle range-of-motion movements that can be done while sitting or standing.
“Even minor lifestyle changes like taking a 10-minute walk three times a day can reduce the impact of arthritis on a person’s daily activities and help to prevent developing more painful arthritis,” explains Patience White, M.D., chief public health officer of the Arthritis Foundation. “Physical activity can actually reduce pain naturally and decrease dependence on pain medications.”

The objective of the study was to evaluate the basic eight-week Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program for improvements in symptoms, functioning, level of physical activity and psychosocial outcomes. A total of 346 individuals with self-reported arthritis from 18 sites participated in a randomized controlled trial. The eight-week exercise program consisted of exercise twice weekly for one hour. The study participants had a mean age of 70 years (ranging from 32 to 94 years old), 90 percent were female, 75 percent were white and 60 percent had more than a high school degree.
Adapted from materials provided by Arthritis Foundation.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

Physical activity is an essential ingredient to life. In fact, it should be looked at as a nutrient your body absolutely needs to be truly healthy, and just like any essential nutrient, your body will suffer if you do not get it.

Our bodies are designed for activity, but unfortunately here in America we are not. Over 40% of America leads a sedentary lifestyle, which is defined as less than one hour of activity per month (that includes walking), and over 75% of America gets less than the recommended 30 minutes of exercise per day. It's no wonder why more than 2/3 of Americans are overweight, more than 1/3 of us are clinically obese, and our health care costs are skyrocketing.

The truth is, we don't take care of the bodies our creator endowed us with. So what can you do to prevent becoming one of these statistics? First, believe that you can. You can be outrageously healthy. You can prevent diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. You can lose weight. You can lead a purposeful, energetic life. Once you realize these things are possible, then you will take the appropriate action steps to see it happen. Learn more about living a healthy lifestyle. Implement the things you learn into your daily routine. And don't forget, YOU'RE NOT ALONE! Seek out friends and health care providers who can help you along the way!

Avoiding Sugar May Prevent Cancer

ScienceDaily (Apr. 17, 2008) — Researchers at the Duke School of Medicine have found that tumor cells use glucose as a way to avoid programmed cell death.

They make use of a protein called Akt, which promotes glucose metabolism, which in turn regulates a family of proteins critical for cell survival, the researchers shared during an April 15 presentation at the American Association of Cancer Research Annual Meeting in San Diego.

In normal cells, growth factors regulate metabolism and cell survival. Removing these factors leads to loss of glucose uptake and metabolism and cell death. Cancer cells, however, maintain glucose metabolism and resist cell death, even when deprived of growth factors.

To study how Akt might affect these processes, Coloff and colleagues introduced a cancer-causing form of Akt called myrAkt, into cells that depend on growth factor to survive. The mutant form of Akt allowed cells to maintain glucose usage and survive even when no growth factors were present, allowing them to bypass a normal safeguard used by cells to prevent cancer development.
The death of normal cells after growth factors are removed is partly accomplished by two proteins called Mcl-1 and Puma. But the cancer-causing version of Akt prevents these two proteins from accomplishing their tasks, allowing the cell to survive when it shouldn't.
Once glucose was withdrawn from the environment, however, Akt was no longer able to maintain regulation of the key targeted proteins Mcl-1 and Puma, and the cells died.
"Akt's dependence on glucose to provide an anti-cell-death signal could be a sign of metabolic addiction to glucose in cancer cells, and could give us a new avenue for a metabolic treatment of cancer," said Dr. Rathmell.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• The idea that cancer feeds on sugar is not new, and many natural health care providers have condemned sugar for multiple reasons, this one included. However, now we have a specific mechanism of why sugar is so important to cancer, and if this evidence doesn't encourage you to cut glucose based sugar from your diet, there may be nothing that does.



• If you got lost in the scientific mumbo-jumbo above, here's the short story: Your cells know when things go haywire, and they have an innate program that essentially causes cellular suicide when things go wrong (e.g. cancer). One of the the suicide programs takes away the cells ability to use the fuels we give it (energy in food). However, cancer cells have the ability to continue to use glucose even in this environment.



• Do you get it? If there was no glucose around the cancer cell, it would not have fuel to survive and it would die too... thus no more cancer.



• So, where do we find glucose or glucose sugars in high enough concentrations to be problematic: refined sugar, table sugar, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, grains (especially refined wheat flour), juice, just to name a few.



• It's impossible to completely remove glucose from your body, as every cell requires it to make energy, but if you can remove most of the glucose from your diet, your body will still make energy by converting other forms of energy like fructose and triglycerides (fat) into glucose, and this process is much easier for your body to regulate. Unregulated levels of blood glucose will lead to health problems every time.



• Want to know other ways to promote cancer cell death: exercise, vitamin D, and even caffeine assist the body in regulating cancer.
  

Is There a Genetic Link to Back Pain?

Is back pain literally in your genes? Recent finding from a Finnish study would say YES!

The findings of the Twin Spine Study, an ongoing research program started in 1991, could lead to significant changes in how the health care system addresses back pain and degenerative disc issues. Drawing on information from 600 participants in the population-based Finnish Twin Cohort--147 pairs of identical and 153 pairs of fraternal male twins--the Twin Spine Study has turned the dominant "injury model" approach to disc degeneration on its head. Researchers from Canada, Finland, the United States and the United Kingdom compared identical twin siblings who differed greatly in their exposure to a suspected risk factor for back problems; for example, one of the twins had a sedentary job while the other had heavy occupational physical demands, or one routinely engaged in occupational driving while the other did not. The studies yielded startling results, suggesting that genetics play a much larger role in disc degeneration than previously thought.

University of Alberta (2008, April 9). Back Pain May Be In Your Genes, Twin Study Suggests.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• I find this study interesting for a number of reasons:
• First, this study took into consideration the twin's adult occupation and apparently paid very little attention to spinal injury risk in childhood and adolescence. Furthermore, the article does not mention whether other common lifestyle factors such as mental health and nutrition were a factor. These factors are very important in the adult health of the human body and specifically the spine and nerve system.
• Also, the study suggests that many of our back troubles are a result of developmental conditions outside our own control. Personally, I think this conclusion is rather hasty and potentially dangerous. Why dangerous? Because it creates an environment in which you may conclude you are a hopeless victim of your heritage, and prevention or cure are either outside the realm of your control or completely unattainable. This couldn't be further from the truth, but we see conclusions like these all the time when "gene studies" are done by researchers.
• Just because research finds a "significant corelation" between a condition (disc degeneration in this example) and a gene or genetic link does not mean the condition is ever outside your control.
• Recent evidence in the field of Epigenetics points to the fact that many of our genes are turned "on" and "off'" by our environment and choices we make in out lifestyle. Therefore, many of the health conditions that are attributed to genetics, random events, or chance are truthfully much more in your control than out of it.
• Do you have a history of back pain or disc issues in your family? You are not a hopeless victim of your genes. Start today on a course of prevention and equip yourself with the knowledge and guidance that will lead to many healthy and vibrant years to come.
• How can you do this? Visit your chiropractor to have you spine and nerve system evaluated. Eat a wholesome nutritious diet that gives your body the building blocks and fuels it needs. Exercise regularly to keep your bones and muscles strong. Engage in core strengthening activities like pilates, kettlebells, and yoga to prevent injury in the future.

Hey Gang,

I know many of you out there look for good quality products at a good price. I thought I would pass a great deal along to you.

Vitacost.com has Jarrow Formulas 100% Natural Whey Protein on sale right now for $12.61 per 2lb container. That's 42% off the regular price and over 50% less than what you would pay for the exact same thing in a local health food store. Shipping is minimal too. Here's the link:

http://www.vitacost.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Whey-Protein

This link is to the vanilla flavor. I'll list the item numbers for their other flavors below.

Vanilla: JF210030

Chocolate: JF210085

Plain/ Unsweetened: JF210146

Jarrow uses all natural ingredients (no artificial sweeteners), and their product is one the the best whey protein products I've found. You're not going to find a whey protein of this quality at any better price.

In Health,

Dr. Zach

The Sunlight Controversy

Study sheds "light" on the need for vitamin D and sunlight exposure.

In society today, the sun, or more specifically UVB rays, are thought to be the main cause of skin cancers. However, it also is the main source of vitamin D for humans.

The following is a portion of the abstract from the Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences: Addressing the health benefits and risks, involving vitamin D or skin cancer, of increased sun exposure. PNAS, Jan 2008; 105: 668 - 673.

Because vitamin D protects against internal cancers and a number of other diseases, a paradox exists: Will increased sun exposure lead to net health benefits or risks?

We calculated the relative yield of vitamin D photosynthesis as a function of latitude with a radiative transfer model and cylinder geometry for the human skin surface. The annual yield of vitamin D is 3.4 and 4.8 times larger below the equator than in the U.K. and Scandinavia, respectively. In populations with similar skin types, there are clear latitude gradients of all major forms of skin cancer, indicating a north–south gradient in real sun exposure. Surprisingly, the incidence rates of major internal cancers also increase from north to south. However, the survival prognosis also improves significantly from north to south. Reasons for these findings are discussed in view of the role of vitamin D. In Norway, melanoma rates increased by a factor of 6 from 1960 to 1990, while the prognosis improved in the same period. After 1990, melanoma rates have remained constant or even decreased in age groups <50>These data, together with those for internal cancers and the beneficial effects of an optimal vitamin D status, indicate that increased sun exposure may lead to improved cancer prognosis and, possibly, give more positive than adverse health effects.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• The message of this article flies in the face of what western medicine and media are telling you. They have been telling you to hide from the sun at all times because the sun is a deadly monster waiting to make you it's next skin cancer victim.



• However, this study (and many more for that matter) is telling quite another story. According to the research, not only did populations exposed to more sunlight (closer to the equator) have a reduced rate of skin cancer, but they also had a reduced rate of other types of internal cancers.



• Why do people with more annual sun exposure get less cancer? Because sunlight exposure to your skin creates vitamin D, and vitamin D is a major player in your body's ability to maintain health. If your vitamin D levels are below optimum (and all of ours are in America), you are setting the stage for cancer and other diseases caused by a lack of adequate immune function.



• Dr. Zach, are you actually suggesting that the sun is good for me and does not cause skin cancer? Yes, I am saying the sun is good for you and is not the major player in skin cancer you're lead to believe it is. Let me explain:



• First, the sun is needed by every living thing to sustain life on our planet, and without it everything would die. So, really, how can the sun be that dangerous. Every other living thing spends its entire life outdoors. Only we humans suffer from exposure to it. The reason is this: It's not the sun causing your skin cancer, it's the sun reacting to the toxic chemicals we place in our bodies and on our skin that caused skin cancer!! These chemicals are in your soaps, shampoos, hair products, make-up, deodorant, lotions, cleaning products, etc.



• Second, sunlight exposure is the primary source of vitamin D in your body, and vitamin D is absolutely necessary for you to maintain good health. If your creator designed this pathway (sunlight exposure) to create optimal levels of a vital nutrient in your body, do you really think He would make the same process harmful?



• Now, does this mean there is no risk to sunlight exposure? Absolutely NOT. Sunburn has been shown to increase your risk of skin cancer dramatically because, like many things in life, too much of a good thing can be damaging (even too much water can kill you). Sunburn is an inflammatory process caused by overexposure to ill prepared tissue. Obviously, we in the northern US have an increased risk of sunburn each spring after a long winter of no sunlight exposure to our skin.



• So, what do you need to know to maximize you vitamin D levels and minimize risk of sunburn and cancer?



• Get moderate amounts of sun exposure for short periods to condition your skin early and often in the spring and summer. As you build a resistance to burning (a tan) and the summer sun gets more intense, shield areas that receive the most direct exposure (forehead and shoulders). And yes, you need a majority (over 50%) of your body exposed. Just your forearms isn't going to give you enough vitamin D.



• Minimize sunscreen use and use a physical block. Not only does sunscreen prevent vitamin D synthesis, but the chemicals in it may be a cause of cancer too. The sunscreen industry is terribly under-regulated, and little long term effects are known about chemical sunscreens. If you're going to use sunscreen, use one with the active ingredient titanium or zinc.



• Eat your seasonal foods. It's not coincidence that your creator gives you foods in season that aid in you maintaining your health. What's plentiful in late spring and early summer? Berries loaded with antioxidants. The amount of antioxidants that you have in your skin plays a major role in your development of sunburn because antioxidants fight inflammation. The more antioxidants you take in, the lower your risk of sunburn. Foods containing effective antioxidants to boost your “internal sunscreen” include whole fresh vegetables and fruits such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries. In early spring foods like mushrooms, asparagus, and dandelion are strong detoxifiers to remove the toxins from your body.
  Vitamins A and C are also vital as your cells use these vitamins to regulate both light absorption and protection against overexposure.

The Real Cause of Acid Reflux

So, do you think heart burn is caused by too much stomach acid? Think again. As you'll read in the link below, heart burn (aka acid reflux, GERD) is actually caused by quite the opposite...too little stomach acid!!!

Click on the link below for a great article on this topic by Leigh Erin Connealy MD.

http://www.naturalnews.com/022840.html

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• The idea that heart burn is not caused by too much stomach acid but instead caused by too little stomach acid was a little hard for me to "digest" when I first learned of it myself. However, In the last 12 months, I have heard this argument too often and from too many experts that it warranted investigation.


• The truth is, acid reflux can be caused by a number of issues, but excessive stomach acid is not one of them.


• The villain here is the esophageal sphincter (called the LES in the article) and it's malfunction. What the author does not tell you is that the LES needs the pressure from normal stomach acid levels to stay closed. Too little stomach acid puts less pressure on the sphincter, and it falls open, allowing the contents of your stomach to reflux up into your esophagus. And although there is less acid than normal in your stomach, nonetheless there is still acid and it can burn.


• What is to blame then? Unlike the author, I disagree that caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, or nicotine causes acid reflux. If these items were the ultimate cause of acid reflux, there would be a lot more of us with the condition. However, I do agree that food allergies can cause this condition, and YOU very well may be allergic to one of these foods or drugs.


• Another cause is malfunction of the LED or stomach glands by interference to their nerve supply. Chiropractors have helped thousand of people defeat acid reflux since its inception by simple spinal alignments to restore nerve integrity to the LED and stomach.


• If you battle acid reflux, a stop to your chiropractor is a great start. He or she can determine if the problem can be corrected through chiropractic care, food allergy testing, or lifestyle changes. And if He/she can't help, they can send you to the health professional who can.

SuperSize Me... The Comparison Study

ScienceDaily (Feb. 18, 2008) — Too much fast food and too little exercise can harm the liver, reveals a small study in the journal Gut. The findings are based on 18 slim, healthy people (12 men and six women) who took a “fast food challenge” for four weeks, and a comparison group, matched for age and sex, who ate a normal diet.
The fast good group restricted their levels of physical activity to not more than 5000 daily steps and ate at least two fast food meals, preferably in well known outlets, every day.
The aim was to double calorific intake and increase total body weight by between 10% and 15% to see if these had any impact on their liver health.
Blood samples were taken before the challenge began and then at regular intervals throughout the study period, to check on their liver enzyme and fat levels.
At the end of the four weeks, those in the fast food group had put on an average of 6.5 kg. Five increased their weight by 15%, and one person put on an extra 12 kg in just two weeks.
The increases were linked to weight gain and especially higher sugar and carbohydrate intake.
Only one participant developed “fatty liver,” but test results from the other participants showed a steep rise in fat content in their liver cells, which is associated with insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance is associated with the metabolic syndrome, a collection of biochemical abnormalities which are linked to an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
No such changes were seen among those who continued to eat their normal diet.

Journal reference: Fast-food based hyper-alimentation can induce rapid and profound elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase in healthy subjects Online First Gut 2008; doi: 10.11.36/gt131797
Adapted from materials provided by British Medical Journal, via Newswise.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• There are multiple take home points of this study.


• 1) Processed foods are toxic. Your body (especially your liver) has to work terribly hard to metabolize processed foods.


• 2) The primary villain in our problem with obesity in this country is carbohydrates from sugars and refined grains, NOT fats as we are led to believe.


• 3) Weight gain is simply calories in verses calories out. This group restricted their calorie output and increase their calorie intake. Guess what happened... they gained significant weight. Your body is designed to be very active AND consume moderate amounts of food. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or eat the average American diet you will be overweight, and both of those activities (inactivity and overeating) are risk factors for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.


• Health however is not about calories in vs. calories out. You can be at an ideal body weight and be very unhealthy. You can be mildly overweight and be quite healthy. Health is by definition a state of physical, social, and mental well being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity (form the World Health Organization), therefore in order to attain health, you must strive for excellence in all three categories by incorporating activities in your life that address these issues AND avoid lifestyle activities that would deter from any of the categories.


• How do you become truly healthy. 1)Eat raw, preferably organic, fruits and vegetables, free range or wild meats and whole grains (sparingly). Avoid processed foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates. 2) Be active: exercise regularly and maintain your body structure through chiropractic care, massage, yoga, pilates, etc. 3) Find spiritual peace. 4)Continue to learn. 5) Maintain friendships and social interactions. These are just a few of the activities you can do to truly attain health.

Neck Pain Study Sheds Light on Best Care

TORONTO, Feb. 15, 2008- A seven-year, international study published today finds that some alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic and massage are better choices for managing most common neck pain than many current practices. Also included in the short-list of best options for relief are exercises, education, neck mobilization, low level lasertherapy and pain relievers. Therapies such as neck collars and ultrasound are not recommended. The study found that corticosteroid injections and surgery should only be considered if there is associated pain, weakness or numbness in the arm,fracture or serious disease.


The Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders 236 page review of the current research on neck pain ispublished in the journal Spine. The multi-national and inter-disciplinarystudy team included Canadian, American, South American, Australasian andEuropean researchers. The Task Force was created to help neck pain sufferers and health professionals use the best research evidence to prevent, diagnoseand manage neck pain.


In addition to its comprehensive review of the existing body of researchon neck pain, the Task Force also initiated a new study into the association between chiropractic care of the neck and stroke. This innovative piece of research found that patients who visit a chiropractor are no more likely to experience a stroke than are patients who visit their family physician. The study concludes that this type of stroke commonly begins with neck pain and/or headache which causes the patient to seek care from their chiropractor or family physician before the stroke fully develops. "This type of stroke is extremely rare and has been known to occur spontaneously or after ordinary neck movements such as looking up at the skyor shoulder-checking when backing up a car," noted the study's lead author,Dr. David Cassidy, professor of epidemiology at the University of Toronto and senior scientist at the University Health Network at Toronto Western Hospital.


Top findings for neck pain suffers: - Stay as active as you can, exercise and reduce mental stress. - Don't expect to find a single "cause" for your neck pain. - Be cautious of treatments that make "big" claims for relief of neck pain. - Trying a variety of therapies or combinations of therapies may be needed to find relief - see the therapies for which the Task Force found evidence of benefits. - Once you have experienced neck pain, it may come back or remain persistent. - Lengthy treatment is not associated with greater improvements; you should see improvement after 2-4 weeks, if the treatment is the right one for you. - There is relatively little research on what does or does not prevent neck pain; ergonomics, cervical pillows, postural improvements etc. may or may not help.


The Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and ItsAssociated Disorders is composed of a group of international researchers and scientist-clinicians who have spent the past seven years undertaking a comprehensive and structured review of the current research on neck pain. TheScientific Secretariat of the Task Force is composed of 13 members and has been supported by an international Advisory Committee of 17 members. The TaskForce and Advisory Committee members represent 14 disciplines ranging from neurology and rheumatology to epidemiology, chiropractic and physical therapy from across nine countries.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

Highlights of this study:

• Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage are better choices for managing most common neck pain than many current practices.
• Therapies such as neck collars and ultrasound are not recommended. The study found that corticosteroid injections and surgery should only be used as a last resort.
• The research found that patients who visit a chiropractor are no more likely to experience a stroke than are patients who visit their family physician, as this type of stroke commonly begins with neck pain and/or headache which causes the patient to seek care from their chiropractor or family physician before the stroke fully develops.

Chiropractic Restores Man's Sight

Here's an Interesting Story from the Dubuque, IA local newspaper:



Doug Harkey's visits to a chiropractor had been helpful, but not spectacular, until Thursday, Jan. 3.

"My left eye was watering for 45 minutes straight," Harkey said.

That left eye had been devoid of sight for 12 years.

While at a friend's house, Harkey wiped his eyes.
"While I wiped my right eye, I could see out of my left," Harkey said.

Goodbye blindness, hello restored sight.

"Oh my God, I can see!" Harkey told a friend.
"You always could," the friend answered.
"No, out of my LEFT eye," Harkey said.

Harkey and Stackis believe a chiropractic adjustment corrected a spinal bone spur problem, and that correcting the problem restored the lost sight.
"I am totally happy for Doug," Stackis said. "I've heard of cases of people regaining their sight, but I've never experienced something like Doug's magnitude .

Miracles can happen and some of those miracles are pretty big."
Harkey's fiancee, Gina Connolly, has been visiting Stackis.
"I was skeptical about chiropractic," Harkey said.
He gave it a try, though, at Connolly's suggestion and after attending a new-patient class conducted by Stackis.

"Your nerve system controls and regulates every function of your body," said Stackis, who believes chiropractic care can influence healing throughout the body.
Harkey couldn't wait to have an eye doctor verify his regained vision. However, his regular doctor was unavailable, so Harkey visited Connolly's eye doctor, Dr. Lynn Lester, on Jan. 7.
"I am very excited for him," Lester said. "It's incredible."
Lester is not sure exactly what triggered the sudden vision improvement.
Harkey said Monday's tests revealed he now has 20/100 vision in his left eye.
Normal vision is considered 20/20 vision, meaning people can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. People with 20/100 vision must be as close as 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 100 feet.
Lester told Harkey his left eye vision could reach 20/30 with the use of corrective lenses.
"He has the potential for even better," Lester said.
Harkey thought retinitis pigmentosis -- a degenerative disease that gradually attacks the retina -- would permanently rob sight from his left eye. His right eye had been reduced to tunnel vision, but recent surgery by Dr. Rommel Fuerste improved his right-eye sight to 20/40.
Fuerste declined to discuss the case of his patient, but Harkey relishes talking about his left eye and the future.
"I'll have everything back except my peripheral vision," he said, adding that he continues to have difficulty seeing forms in shadows. "In the daytime, it will be great to see everything."

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• Did you know that the Chiropractic Profession was founded in 1895 when Dr. Daniel Palmer restored a man's hearing by simply adjusting a misalignment in his spine (In chiropractic, these misalignments are called SUBLUXATIONS). Since that time there have been thousands of seemingly miraculous cases of health recovery through chiropractic care.


• Of Course, Chiropractic is not a cure all. Not every case of deafness or blindness is caused by subluxation in the spine, but you might be surprised by the health conditions that do see improvement.


• So, How did this man regain his sight? It's quite simple actually. Chiropractic is based on the premise that spinal misalignment (subluxations) can lead to irritation and injury to your nervous system. Your nervous system controls every other system in your body. Therefore, if your nervous system is irritated or injured, it's going to negatively effect the areas of you body controlled by those nerves. In the case of this man in Iowa, subluxations in his neck were causing visual malfunction.


• Re-aligning the spine, and thus relieving the irritation and injury to the nervous system can thus restore normal function to the spine, nervous system, and yes, even the organs that were malfunctioning as a result (in this case eyes/ vision).


• Not only has chiropractic care, at times, restored someones ability to hear or see, but correcting subluxations have also helped people suffering from hundreds of other conditions from ADHD and Asthma to High Blood Pressure to digestive issues like Acid Reflux and Irritable Bowel Disease. Chiropractic has helped couples battle infertility, women with painful or irregular menses, and men with prostatitis.


• But, please understand, chiropractic is not a cure for any of these things. Your body desires health, balance, and vitality. And when we, the chiropractor, remove interferences to your nervous system, your body's natural healing ability takes over and does the rest. Daniel Palmer said something long ago that still rings true today... "Nature needs no help, just no Interference."

Equip U Workshop on February 16th

Optimizing Your Health Potential for 2008
* DIET * MOVEMENT * MIND *

When: Saturday, February 16, 2008
Where: Best Western - Hudson
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm
Cost: $49 individual, $79 couple
(lunch included)

Pre-Registration Required!!!
Registration Lines:
(651)730-1660 or 386-7690
(you can sign up at Fresh and Natural Foods and McCabe Family Chiropractic)
Lunch: choose between turkey, ham, and veggie sandwich box at time of registration.

Presenters:
Zach McCabe DC
Dr. McCabe, chiropractor and wellness counselor, will discuss chronic diseases such as chronic pain, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, depression and fatigue and how these conditions are often caused by lifestyle choices. He will also discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy a healthy spine and offer advice on these topics.

Mark Norman LCN
Mark Norman, licensed certified nutritionist with over 14 years experience in Wisconsin and Minnesota, will be discussing making healthy choices in diet and nutrition , detoxification, and using foods as medicine.

Sharon Olson HBC Hudson, Personal Trainer
Sharon Olson, certified personal trainer, will discuss effective exercise techniques including aerobic and weight training, as well as time management/ prioritizing workouts in your busy schedule.

Sponsored by:
McCabe Chiropractic

Fresh and Natural Foods

Anytime Fitness

Included in Workshop:
· Free Lunch Provided by Fresh and Natural Foods
· Workbook, Lecture Notes
· Door Prizes/ Coupons

Chances to Win:
· Free Consultations with Mark Norman, LCN
· Free Training Sessions With Sharon Olson
· Free New Patient Consult and Exam with Dr. McCabe


Pre-Registration Required!!!
Registration Lines:
(651)730-1660 or 386-7690
(you can sign up at Fresh and Natural Foods and McCabe Family Chiropractic)

Lunch: choose between turkey, ham, and veggie sandwich box at time of registration.