Healthy Thoughts and Images

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Te7zbj-6lw&index=12&list=TLQ4Nz-gv9x4aHFrEyTgmwJ2mupjElLCcT

My Humble Bid To Help Save Our Future

The largest land mammals also only eat plants.

Whenever I get a chance, I love reading classic science fiction novels. They are not usually cheerful, but always philosophical and though-provoking. In many of these books, the authors portray a bleak future for life on this planet. Unfortunately, it seems that reality is turning out to be stranger than fiction. More and more evidence is showing that the world is slowly changing because of decisions we make as a society. Unfortunately, the most significant change is to our atmosphere, and it's not for the better. For instance, the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii has been measuring the rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere for over 60 years. This year, these levels have increased to levels never seen since the age of dinosaurs, long before humans even existed. Just yesterday, newspapers reported irreversible melting of glaciers in the antarctic. Global warming is happening slowly but surely. While we are all busy in our lives, there are many ways that we could at least slow down global warming. The best way to decrease our impact on our environment is by avoiding consumption of animal products, since the meat and dairy industry directly and indirectly create more greenhouse gases than the entire transport industry. Contrary to what we've been led to believe, meat, milk, eggs and cheese are not essential for a healthy diet.  In fact, many studies continue to show that by avoiding these you will be healthier, happier, and even live longer. Much of this information has been known for a long time. As part of our nutrition course during my chiropractic studies about 20 years ago, we were required to read the book "Diet for a New America" by John Robbins, which convinced me to stop eating meat 4 years later. For convenience sake, I continued to consume some dairy until last week, when I finally decided to eliminate all forms of animal products from my diet. Frankly, I don't know why it took me 16 years to give up dairy as well, but it's been a conscience-clearing decision. It will be inconvenient, but as I told my wife, doing the right thing is not always convenient. I have no doubt in my mind that by eating only a plant-based diet, the world will be a better place, not just for us, but for all life on Earth.  As Albert Einstein once said, "Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet."

For more information:
http://blog.ucsusa.org/400ppm-co2-mauna-loa-455
http://mg.co.za/article/2014-05-13-climate-change-threshold-passed
http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/feed_the_world/2014/05/meat_eating_and_climate_change_vegetarians_impact_on_the_economy_antibiotics.html
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/jul/18/vegetarianism-save-planet-environment
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/763435_2
http://www.nursingdegree.net/blog/19/57-health-benefits-of-going-vegan/

Healthy Exercise: Squats

Long before we became civilized, the squat was the ideal way to sit.  Today, most people spend over 9 hours a day in a chair. As a result, many have lost the ability to sit the way in which we are meant to. Before relying on chairs, a person would go down into and up from the squatting position many times during the course of the day.  In modern life, however, most people never squat, because there's no need for it. I believe this is one of the reasons that back problems have also reached epidemic proportions. The movement required to squat is essential for the strength and mobility of your pelvis, hips, and lower spine, thus providing a strong and stable foundation for your entire spinal column. The health benefits apparently go even further, including improvements in bowel function, among others. Since modern living does not require us to squat, the bodyweight squat is an essential exercise that everyone should do at least 3 times per week.  If you are not able to do this simple exercise, you should consult with a professional fitness instructor, such as a biokineticist, personal trainer, Pilates instructor, or yoga instructor, to re-learn this very important movement and sitting position.  So keep squatting while you still can, and your whole body will reward you.

If you haven't been able to squat in a long time, the following is great article how to regain the mobility:
http://www.katysays.com/you-dont-know-squat/

For more information:
http://www.outlawfitnesshq.com/the-15-benefits-of-squats/
http://hashimashi.com/top-8-benefits-squats

You can also watch this video describing the proper form for a bodyweight squat:

Avoid Aspartame and Other Artificial Sweeteners

Apparently, even ants avoid aspartame

Since sugar is harmful to your health, the chemical industry has come up with artificial versions of sugar, which are probably even more harmful.  While there is some controversy regarding the safety of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners, many independent studies have shown these sugar substitutes to be harmful, especially in the long term.  One recent study of almost 60,000 woman found a 50% increased death risk from the regular consumption of aspartame, which can be considered a neurotoxin (harmful to your nervous system).  So instead of waiting for studies to prove its safety or danger, remember that your body will not like any unnatural substance.  We actually do not require sugar in our diet, so it goes without saying that we simply do not need fake sugar, either.

For more information:
http://www.naturalnews.com/044510_diet_soda_aspartame_death_risk.html
http://herrickhealth.wordpress.com/2013/03/19/ants-know-aspartame/
http://www.wakingtimes.com/2014/04/16/aspartame-end-game-whats-next/
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/usda-recommended-sugar-intake-8628.html

Stay Connected and Maximize Your Potential

     Most people come to me for the "treatment" of some ache or pain. While 90% of these people do achieve relief, many don't realize that I never actually treated their ache or pain. This is one of the many idiosyncrasies of chiropractic care that sets it apart from mainstream health care of today, by not treating the symptoms, but addressing the underlying dysfunction. The purpose of chiropractic care is to simply reconnect your mind and body, by correcting spinal subluxations, thus allowing your body to function properly and heal itself.  So the true healer is not me, but your life energy that flows along your nervous system.  Most people liken the nervous system to a communication network, sending messages back and forth between the brain and the trillions of cells in your body.  But this is only one purpose of your nervous system, as it is also a conduit for the flow of vital electrical energy that flows from your brain to the rest of your body.  Without this energy flowing properly, it's like having a light with a dimmer switch turned down.  So your nervous system is like Telkom and Eskom, all in one.  Chiropractic helps to keep the communication and energy flowing, allowing you to reach your full potential.

Healthy Thought

Are Your Emotions Affecting Your Body?

   
     Considering how connected our bodies are, in ways that we are still trying to understand, it is not far-fetched to think that consistent thought patterns could be contributing to physical symptoms.  Most people resort to taking a pill to cover up the symptom, while others seek professional help, such as chiropractic care, to address these problems.  I've found there is usually a mechanical problem resulting in improper nervous system function, which can contribute to recurrent mental patterns that in turn perpetuates subluxation patterns. This is especially apparent in the spine due to its intimate connection with the central nervous system.    By adjusting the spine and improving nerve flow, I have seen people change in ways much deeper than their physical being.  Also, feeling better changes the way you view the world, thus changing the way you think, feel, and react.  However, addressing these emotions and thoughts, may often be the key to allowing your body to function properly and heal. The above chart has a brief description of emotions that may be related to problems you may be experiencing.  While it is not based on scientific studies, if it can help you to function and feel better, it's worth a try.  As Eckhart Tolle says in his book The Power of Now, "Emotion arises at the place where mind and body meet.  It is the body's reaction to your mind - or you might say a reflection of your mind in the body."  Simply put, controlling your emotions will control your mind, which will ultimately put you back in control of your body.

For more information:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9368065/Chronic-pain-is-determined-by-emotions-scientists-believe.html
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-emotions-behind-specific-body-aches.html
http://www.enlightenedfeelings.com/symptoms.html
http://liberatingemotions.com/archives/689

The Dirty Fruits & Veggies

Pesticides have been linked to a wide range of health problems, including cancer, diabetes, birth defects,  and even neurological disorders such Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.  Consider that when pesticides are being sprayed on crops, the sprayer is always wearing a mask or sitting in a plane, yet it's supposedly safe to eat.  To avoid consuming excessive amounts of harmful toxins, you should buy organic produce as much as possible.  Certain fruits and vegetables should be avoided even more because they require more pesticides than others.  These are often referred to as the "dirty" fruits and veggies:  apples, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, grapes, peppers, nectarines, peaches, potatoes, strawberries, baby marrow, lettuce, and blueberries.  Most of these crops require more than 40 different pesticides before reaching the shops.  And unfortunately washing them does not get rid of most of the pesticide residue.  On the bright side, there are other crops that do not require much pesticides, also known as the "clean" fruits and vegetables: onions, sweet corn, pineapple, avocados, asparagus, frozen sweet peas, mango, papino, brinjals, kiwi, cabbage, watermelon, sweet potatoes, grapefruit, and mushrooms.  While the availability of organic produce in South Africa is still sparse, the demand is growing, so it is getting better.

Watch the following short video which shows a Harvard University professor describing why eating organic foods is even more important for children:

For more information:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/261092.php
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/257045.php
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23290489#
http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php
http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/dirty-dozen-foods#slide-5

Healthy Video: Got A Meeting? Walk and Talk

Before the mass production of cars, people were forced to walk to their destinations.  Today, most people sit more hours in the day than they sleep.  As a result, most people are becoming "chair-shaped," which inevitably leads to spinal problems and eventually the rest of your body will suffer as well.  If you think about it, I'm sure you can find time to walk.  This is a nice video about someone who discovered that "getting out of the box helped her to think out of the box" as well.

The Love For What I Do

In the last three days, I've spoken to two different people who, while earning good salaries, said they need a career change.  It reminded me once again how fortunate I am.  When I decided against attending medical school, realizing that I simply could not see myself prescribing drugs or doing surgery for the rest of my life, I was fortunate enough to stumble upon this unique and often misunderstood profession called chiropractic.  In fact, my studies began exactly 20 years ago.  Little did I know that these studies would not only allow me to help people while earning a comfortable living, but I would also learn about a whole new way of looking at the body and the world in general.  There's a quote by B.J. Palmer, one of the founding fathers of our profession, that comes to mind, and only truly makes sense to me now:  "Medicine is the study of disease and what causes man to die. Chiropractic is the study of health and what causes man to live."  I am eternally grateful for choosing the path less traveled, as it has not only helped me to live a more fulfilling and productive life, but also helped to improve the lives of my loved ones.  My wife never knew what a chiropractor does, despite attending one of the best medical schools in the world.  Today, she is my biggest supporter, often referring her own patients because she's seen the benefits first-hand.  My two kids have been adjusted since shortly after their birth, and both my wife and I have often been amazed at the effects.  We also live a simple life that is as close to the natural order as possible, by staying active, resting when necessary, and eating as naturally as possible all the time.  And while I've had my fair share of ups and downs in my career thus far, the one constant I'm grateful for is the love for what I do.  As the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius once said, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."

Chiropractic for the Growing Years

Chiropractic care only began for me at the age of 21, and it changed my life in many ways, as my whole body seemed to function better.  My concentration and memory also improved, and my immune system became more resilient.  Also, I was then able to drive for more than an hour without back pain.  And I simply felt better overall: more centered, balanced, and in-tune with my body's needs.  My growing years could have been better if I had been to a chiropractor when I was a kid.  I'm convinced that many "childhood illnesses" would have been prevented or resolved quicker.  At that time, my parents had not even heard of a chiropractor, so the option of taking us to a chiropractor to make sure our nervous system was functioning properly was never considered.  This hasn't changed even today for most parents.  But slowly, more parents are seeking a more natural approach to helping their kids.  I have seen many childhood ailments often resolve with chiropractic care, including ear infections, infantile colic, breathing difficulties, bed-wetting, digestive problems, and even persistent warts.  Studies have also shown positive outcomes with many conditions, but chiropractic is merely a means of improving the function of the nervous system, to allow your inner doctor to do what it knows best.  So it is essential that all children be checked at least once a year, and more often if they have any trauma or illnesses that are not resolving quickly.  A well-adjusted child can enjoy growing up to be a balanced and content adult.

For more information:
http://welladjustedbabies.com/why-parents-take-children-to-chiropractors/
http://www.ccpa-accp.ca/blog/?p=1616
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/61111.php
http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=37423

Healthy Thought

Invest In Your Health

Most people tend to give more thought and energy toward their financial future, with minimal thought to their health future.  Whatever you do today, will affect your health in the future.  While we may all know of someone that leads an "unhealthy" lifestyle and "they seem to be fine," when you look at the big picture, studies after studies show a direct correlation between lifestyle patterns and future quality of life.  Fortunately, it's really not so complicated, either.  There are many things you can do, but here are just four:

1. Allow your body to heal.  The most significant healing takes place when we sleep.  While we are meant to be physically and mentally active during the day, at night we sleep to recover and heal from within, so we are ready for another day.  If you are not getting adequate rest and sleep, your body is not getting a chance to recover, rejuvenate, and heal properly.  Your sleeping habits are the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.
2. Mobilize your joints.  Every joint in your body thrives on motion.  Your joints don't have a direct blood supply, so to stay healthy they require motion to pump the nutrients in.  So you should put every joint in your body through its full range of motion, every single day.  Otherwise, your joints will start to degenerate sooner than later.  This also stimulates your brain and nervous system, because your joints are full of motion nerve receptors, which are essential for keeping you functioning properly.  A simple and fun way to do this is by dancing to a nice song on a daily basis.
3.  Eat raw vegetables.  While many people do eat fruit regularly, it's more important to have more raw vegetables.  They are low in sugar, high in fibre, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals that your body can absorb and assimilate.  But try to make sure the vegetables are as close to natural as possible, preferably organic and not genetically modified (GMO).
4. Walk for exercise.  We are designed to walk.  If we take that away from our lifestyle, all sorts of problems develop.  You should take a brisk 20 minute walk at least three times a week.  This is also essential even if you do other types of exercise.  Nothing substitutes walking.

As a society, we've been led to believe that we are inevitable victims of disease.  Whether it's from viral infections, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, or just "getting older."  While we may not be able to prevent all disease, we can strengthen our bodies and minds so we are able to pick ourselves up again when we do fall, both literally and figuratively.  It all depends on your daily choices.  So invest time and energy in your most valuable resource:  your body, mind and soul; and you will reap the benefits of an active, joyful, and productive life.  All the money in the world cannot buy your health back.  As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "The first wealth is health."

Healthy Exercising: Dancing

One of the main reasons that most people don't exercise regularly is not due to lack of time, but because most types of exercise becomes quite boring and monotonous very quickly.  If it's not fun, most people won't keep doing it regularly.  One of the most ancient forms of keeping fit and having fun is dancing.  It can be found in nearly every culture around the world and forms an integral part of being human.  It turns out that there are also many health benefits of dancing, including emotional, spiritual, and physical ones.  So regardless of your age or fitness level, this is a great way to keep you body in motion, while reconnecting your mind, body and soul.

http://www.naturalnews.com/036481_dancing_physical_health.html
http://niagp.co.za/index.php
http://www.dancingdivas.co.za/studios/centurion/

"Sitting Is Killing You"

Healthy Thought

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."  

- Oscar Wilde

For more information:
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/02/08/august-landmesser-hamburg-shipyard-worker-who-refused-to-make-nazi-salute-photo_n_1262876.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_Landmesser

Healthy Thought

Sugar: Addictive and Toxic

     If you haven't figured this out yet, the processed food industry does not have your long-term health in its best interest.  This is an ad from probably more than fifty years ago, which encourages all parents to start their children as soon as possible on "a strict regimen of sodas and other sugary carbonated beverages right now, for a lifetime of guaranteed happiness."  And they claimed that "laboratory tests" were done proving the "benefits."  Well, happiness may be a short-term effect, but in the long run, sugar has been linked to heart disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and many other chronic diseases.
    And as it turns out, sugar is one of the most addictive substances known to man; apparently more addictive than cocaine.  Our brains require a minimal amount of sugar to function, so we have an innate desire to seek it out and consume it.   Unfortunately, the food industry has used this to their advantage to sell their colas, sweets, cereals, sauces, and countless other processed foods.  Sugar also promotes inflammation, increases the acidity of your body, and keeps you from functioning properly.  And as many studies are showing, the sugar substitutes are also bad for you.  Nature already provides us with abundant forms of sugar in fruit, vegetables, nuts, and grains, so eliminate all forms of sugar from your diet and you will feel the difference.

For more information:
http://www.activistpost.com/2013/01/sugar-and-saccharin-more-addictive-than.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/037737_sugar_consumption_public_health_gm_beets.html
http://www.livescience.com/18244-sugar-toxic-regulations.html

Healthy Video: In Sickness and In Movement

A wonderful video to watch if you're ever feeling lazy to get out and get moving. We are meant to be in motion. Our bodies are truly amazing if we allow it to be.

Enjoying The Birds

It seems that my indigenous gardening adventure has turned me into a bird-watcher.  I suppose it's a logical progression, as the local plant life attracts more wildlife, with the most conspicuous being the vibrant birdlife that we are so blessed to have here in Southern Africa.  I appreciate this even more after a recent trip to the USA, where I would be lucky to see 4 birds during my 30 minutes of morning exercise.  And this was next to a lake, where you would expect even more birds.  In contrast, here in my garden, in that same amount of time, without even looking for them, I can see more than 40 birds, consisting of more than 15 different species.  This is one of the reasons I now prefer exercising outdoors.  Unfortunately, my gym membership is in danger of lapsing, because I did not attend the gym the annual prescribed amount of times, despite the fact that I exercise almost every day.  When I did frequent the gym, I felt the need to always have music, while when I'm outdoors, the birds produce all the music that I need, keeping me alert for different sounds from birds I have not seen yet.  Watching the birds has also proven to be educational.  In contrast to the dynamic activity level of birds, I've realized that being physically active is something that's missing in the lives of most people living a "modern" lifestyle.  Most of us don't have to walk much, lift much, or carry much.  Everything is automated, available a short drive away at the nearby store, and with communication made so easy, we don't have to bother going to visit our friends and family.  In the end we are less active, and I firmly believe that our health suffers as a result.  When birds wake up in the morning and start foraging for food and reinforcing their nests, they are physically active until the sun goes down.  Many lessons can be learned from nature, as long as we are there to observe.