SOUND FAMILIAR?

STUDY SHOWS POSTURE AFFECTS THOUGHTS

Our posture plays a strong role in our overall health and how we are perceived by others. Now, a study from Ohio State University showed that your posture also affects how you feel about yourself. Apparently, the students in this study were more confident about their own thoughts when they were sitting with good posture. From a chiropractic perspective, this makes a lot of sense, because your nervous system functions better when you have good posture. One benefit you may have noticed as a chiropractic patient, is that when you are well-adjusted, you tend to feel more comfortable when you are sitting up straight, as opposed to when you're slouching. You are literally more aware of your posture, since the information from your body to your brain is able to flow better. And this study now shows that you will also feel more confident about yourself and your decisions, making life much more productive and enjoyable.

(Click here to read more.)

"Little Known Chiropractic Treatment Saves Man's Life"

Here is an interesting story about a man who suffered with severe facial nerve pain (Trigeminal Neuralgia) for about a decade, at times leading him to consider suicide. He was finally able to get relief after receiving specific chiropractic adjustments to his upper cervical spine.

(Click here to read more.)

ABSORBING THE EARTH'S VIBES

I've recently been wondering why most people feel the need to be out in nature, including myself. Whether it's gardening, hiking, boating, fishing, or just picnicing under the shade of a tree. There is something undeniably calming and energizing about being in the natural world. Last week, I came across what's called Schumann's Resonance. Apparently, the earth resonates the same frequency as the our brain waves and we need this in order to stay healthy. In fact, NASA has been using this phenomenon to keep their astronaut's healthier while in space with what they call a "Schumann Simulator." So if you are insulated from earth, spending your days and nights indoors, walking on concrete and paving, and driving on tarred roads, make sure you get back in touch with the Earth on a regular basis. As one of my patient's said the other day, she has to have her "bush injection." Your body, mind, and soul will be grateful.

(Reference)

SCIENTIFIC STUDY ON YOGA

A very interesting study was published this month in Spine, one of the leading medical journals dealing with spinal problems. They found that yoga was more effective than conventional medical treatment for chronic low back pain. In fact, other than less pain, this study also showed that the group doing yoga had less depression and less functional disability. Stretching of some sort on a regular basis (at least 3 times per week) is essential for your overall health. And with your spine more balanced and more in sync with your nervous system, practices such as yoga and Pilate's can be even more effective for you.

(Reference)

IS AN ASPIRIN A DAY BENEFICIAL?

For the last decade or so, an aspirin a day has been considered safe and healthy. But apparently there were no good, scientific studies to support this notion. Only recently, a randomized, clinical trial was done in the UK, and they found that healthy people taking aspirin daily were more likely to develop internal bleeding in the blood vessels, compared to those taking a placebo drug. So the researchers concluded that for healthy people, taking an aspirin a day actually seems to do more harm than good. Turns out we don't have an aspirin deficiency after all.

(Reference)

WAKE UP CALL?

A recent study published in Australia concluded that regular cell phone use for 10 years or more can double your risk of brain tumours. And the danger is even more pronounced for children and teenagers. An interesting report from "60 Minutes" in Australia tells more.

(Click here to watch the video or read the transcript.)

4 WAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR BRAIN FUNCTION

Here are 4 simple steps you can take to improve your memory and the function of your body's master controller:

1. Stimulate your brain: As the old saying goes, you either use it or lose it. This is very much the case when it comes to your body, including your brain. There are many things you can do to exercise your brain, such as reading, card games,board games, puzzles, etc. Also, resist using a calculator whenever possible and give your brain some work.

2. Exercise your body: Researchers have found that regular, prolonged, but not necessarily intense exercise can reduce memory decline by 30%. Get your blood flowing at a faster rate at least 3 times per week for at least 30 minutes.

3. Stay social: Keeping up with friends and family and maintaining a positive attitude is a great way to keep your mind active and healthy. It's also healthy for your soul to let go and share your experiences with people who care about you.

4. Align your spine with your mind: Your nervous system functions as one, so irritation of nerves along the spinal cord will affect the function of the brain. This was illustrated a few years ago in a study which showed that people with chronic back pain had a reduction of the brain's gray matter, which is responsible for memory and information processing.

(Click here to read more)

PARENTAL STRESS & ASTHMA IN CHILDREN

The effects of stress on a person's health have been quite well-documented, but now a study has shown the effects of stressed parents on their children. This study showed that children living in polluted areas had a higher incidence of asthma if their parents were under more stress. Stress is a normal part of life that in many ways makes you stronger, as long as you and your body deal with it effectively. This is one of the benefits of chiropractic care. As one patient recently told me, she seems to handle her work stress much better, even though the level of stress is still the same. Another patient mentioned that he feels much more optimistic and positive when his spine is well-adjusted. When your nervous system is fuctioning better, you tend to be more calm and adapt much easier to the ups and downs of life. (Reference)

MORE SLEEP, LESS COLDS

In a study published earlier this year, researchers found that your sleeping habits affect the function of your immune system. They discovered that people who slept for less than 7 hours a day were three times more likely to catch a cold, compared to people that slept 8 or more hours. Makes sense, as your body does most of its healing when you are asleep. This further emphasizes the need to sleep more, especially in Winter, as I described in my earlier article entitled "Make Winter Work For You."

(Reference)

HEALTHY HUMOR: COUCH POTATO SYNDROME?

TRAINING YOUR BRAIN

In a very interesting study done more than 20 years ago, they found that when only one arm is trained to increase bulk and strength, there was also an improvement in strength in the opposite arm that wasn’t being trained. It’s quite strange to think about, but makes us realize the power of our central nervous system. It also shows that exercise not only trains your body, but your brain as well.

SYMPTOMS: THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG

People usually only decide to go to a chiropractor once they have some sort of symptom, such as pain. But did you know dysfunctional spinal nerves are present for a very long time before you feel anything? That is why most people that come here usually don't recall a specific injury that could have caused their problem. Also, did you know that only about 20% of the nerve cells that come from the spine are pain sensitive? So you can have irritation of up to 80% of the nerve fibres in your spinal nerves and not feel anything. Yet the malfunction at those those respective regions of your body are already experiencing the effects, which you may not be aware of. Once the subluxations start to affect that 20% of pain-oriented nerve fibres, then you start to feel it. So while the symptoms may be more apparent, what's beneath the surface is even more significant.

HEALTHY WISDOM

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

~Buddha

LINK BETWEEN PARKINSON'S AND PESTICIDES

A recent study has found a strong link between exposure to pesticides and the development of Parkinson's, a chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system. This particular study looked at two specific pesticides and found that they increased the incidence of this debilitating disease by 75%. All in all, more reason to eat organic foods. In fact, this is even more important for children and young adults, as the people in this study were exposed to these pesticides at a much younger age, but only developed Parkinson's after the age of 60.

(Reference)

DOES YOUR NEUROSURGEON KNOW?

Yesterday, one of my patients told me about a concerned question he received from a friend upon hearing that they've been to a chiropractor. He asked if his neurosurgeon was aware that his wife is receiving chiropractic care, implying that it's potentially dangerous. This patient replied to his friend that when he took his wife to the neurosurgeon they paid a lot of money but didn't get any better. In contrast, since beginning chiropractic care, his wife has improved and doesn't complain anymore.

A few hours later, I had a new patient who told me about his 38 year old cousin, who is now in a wheelchair after two failed back operations. It's funny how people tend to think of chiropractic care as being potentially harmful, when spinal operations are far more risky. And the success rate of back operations is questionable, as I read a few years ago that most people that are considered successful spinal operations are still using pain pills.

As a chiropractor, I often come across many cases where a spinal operation did not help. From the neurosurgeon's perspective, they often come across the cases where chiropractic care did not help. So we tend to see each other's failures. That does not mean that surgery is always unsuccessful. It has it's place, but should be the last resort. More and more medical doctors are learning about the value of chiropractic care because their patients are telling them about the benefits they've experienced. So the next time you see your medical doctor, tell them about your chiropractic experience. In contrast to the pharmaceutical companies, we don't have reps that call on the doctors on a regular basis. So the only way they will come to learn about any form of health care that is not linked to the drug industry is from their patients. You could help someone to avoid having an unnecessary operation.

DOES MILK BUILD STRONG BONES?

With decades of great marketing by the dairy industry, most people still believe that milk is not only healthy, but also a good source of calcium to strengthen your bones. In reality, there isn't much evidence to support this. In fact, the dairy industry was forced to stop claiming that milk is good for you many years ago. A new book by Dr. Amy Joy Lanou called Building Bone Vitality reveals that contrary to popular belief, the best thing to build strong bones is not milk or calcium supplements, but regular walks, spending some time in the sun, and eating fruit and vegetables on a daily basis. It's no wonder that the countries that have the highest rates of osteoporosis also consume the most milk. (reference)

THE RIGHT WAY TO CARRY CHILDREN

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, uncle, or aunt, carrying a child is one of the true joys in life. Carrying them properly will keep you from regretting it later. Here are a few things to remember to prevent you from hurting yourself:
Alternate sides: Most people, especially parents with a busy schedule, tend to hold their kids only on one side, to allow your stronger arm to do other things. Make a conscious effort to carry them on both sides, and also in front of you using both arms when possible.
Keep them close: To prevent strain on your back, hold the child as close to your body as possible. With older children, ask them to hold on to you, which makes them feel much lighter. If you feel discomfort in your back while holding them, try tightening your abdominal muscles to take strain off your spinal column.

Lift them up properly: Make sure you lift them up with your legs, and not with your back or arms. This means bending your kness before you lift them up.

Stay fit: You must stretch and exercise 3-4 times per week, with regular walks at the least, to strengthen your core muscles and your legs. And make sure your spine is in optimal alignment and free of any nerve interference.

These simple steps will help to keep you functioning better and make those fleeting moments with children even more enjoyable.

CAN CHIROPRACTIC HELP WITH INFERTILITY?

About a month ago, a mother brought her 9 week old baby who had been struggling with colic. When they entered my consulting room, I realized that I had met the mother before. She told me she came to me as a patient while she was having a challenge with falling pregnant. After reviewing her file, I recalled that I saw her in November 2007, and now, about 18 months later, she was the proud mother of a little baby boy. I can’t say if the chiropractic care actually helped to make her fertile, as she had been improving many different aspects of her lifestyle. Nonetheless, I was very pleased for her and her husband. Becoming a parent is truly a blessing and it’s always nice to see someone given that opportunity. I have heard of many stories of chiropractic care having a positive effect with infertility. One recent study published in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health showed successful outcomes for three women who were also not able to have a child. Spinal adjustments improves the nerve supply to the reproductive organs and also improves hormonal balance. Infertility is a growing problem resulting from many different factors, and improving the function of the central nervous system is yet another step that could help. (reference)

MAKE WINTER WORK FOR YOU

Winter is meant to be a time of resting and rejuvenating. This is evident when you look at the animals and trees around us. Some of them hibernate, some go into a dormant state, and most simply slow down. As humans, we try to defy the laws of nature and often continue as normal, even though our environment tells us to relax a bit. Here are a few simple things you can do to improve your innate healing powers during the cold months:

Sleep more: When we sleep, the parasympathetic nervous system is most active. This is the portion of our nervous system that heals and rejuvenates us from the up and downs of our daily living. Try to sleep about 30 to 60 minutes extra in the winter to give your body more time to heal.
Enjoy the fruits of winter: Nature provides us the proper nutrition when we need it most and winter fruits are a perfect example. Papinos, oranges, and guavas among others, contain high amounts of vitamin C and minerals, in a form that is easily digested and readily absorbed, which we need to boost the function of our immune system.
Exercise in moderation: In a survey we did of our patients a few years ago, most people tend to exercise less during the colder months. However, moderate and regular exercise has been shown time and again to have immune-boosting effects. Enjoy our normally sunny winter days by taking a brisk 30 minute walk about 3 times a week. But remember, too much exercise does suppress the immune system. Also, remember to stretch every day, which is even more important during this season.
Laugh a lot: Laughing makes us feel good and this has a positive effect on our immune system. So watch a funny movie or read a witty book. We tend to take life too seriously and laughing always puts things into perspective and will make you healthier.
Stay social: In our modern world, we are so wary of being exposed to “germs,” when in reality, the people who are more exposed, with more physical contact to other people, tend to get sick less often. Many studies have shown this. So allow your immune system to strengthen by meeting more people and connect with your friends more often.
Optimize your nervous system function: In an article in the June issue of Shape magazine, they mentioned that chiropractic adjustments can help to boost your gland functions, which nurtures your immune system. Also, your nervous system does directly control your immune system, so maintaining proper spinal balance and function will help give your immune system a big advantage this winter.

These simple steps will help you to make winter work for you, so by the time spring comes around, you will be ready to take on the world.

KEEP YOUR SPINE IN MOTION

I am often asked what is the best exercise for the spine. Without hesitation, I always say walking. In modern life, we simply do not walk enough, and sit more than is healthy. My patients that walk a lot, especially those that don’t own cars or computers, always recover faster and stay better longer. Even for those that struggle with neck problems, walking is essential. When you walk it involves your entire spine and not just your lower back. As one of my patients described it, the spine functions as a kinetic chain. To give you an illustration, when we are examining your spine, movements of your neck can elicit changes in your leg length. This shows the interconnectedness of your body.

If finding a place to walk is a challenge, a nice place that is available to most of us is a shopping mall. Just make sure it's a fast walk, so no stopping or slowing down. You should be taking 3-4 brisk walks for 20-30 minutes every week. Your whole body, including your spine and nervous system will reward you for it. Also remember, that no matter what sort of exercise you prefer, you must include walking in your regimen as well.

(Click here to read more about the overall health benefits of regular walking.)

DOES OLD AGE LEAD TO SPINE PROBLEMS?

Our perception is that getting older leads to more health problems, but this is not necessarily the case. For instance, most people associate back problems with age. However, a recent survey of centenarians (people still living over the age of 100) found that the prevalence of bothersome back or neck pain was about the same (27%) as in younger populations. Even our older patients do feel and function better with chiropractic care, despite not actually getting younger. So like these 800 year old baobab trees pictured here, with a healthy lifestyle, you too can age more comfortably.

SWINGING BETTER WITH CHIRORPACTIC

Yesterday, one of my patients said that she always seems to play better golf after she’s had her spine adjusted. For avid golfers, they are always pleased with anything that can improve their performance out on the greens. It’s not surprising that a 2008 survey revealed that 47% of golfers have had chiropractic care. It not only helps to restore function, but also improves performance and prevents injuries. A 2007 study from Brazil also showed improved driving swing range and distance after chiropractic care. With better understanding of spinal biomechanics, the way in which golf is played today is less harmful on the back. However, it is essential that you use the right technique, so I always recommend my patients get formal golf coaching whenever possible. Another telling study showed that amateur golfers tend to complain more of back pain, while professional golfers tend to have more problems with wrist pain. So if you do swing properly, you will lessen the ill effects on your spine and nervous system.

THE TWO SHOE SALESMEN

Almost 10 years ago, before coming back to South Africa, my father told me a wonderful story that encapsulated my mindset while pondering leaving the U.S. It's a story about two shoe salesmen from rival manufacturers. They both arrive in a remote village and find that none of its inhabitants are wearing shoes. So the first salesman calls his head office and tells them to stop all shipments to this village, as "no one is wearing shoes." In contrast, the other salesman calls his suppliers and excitedly tells them to increase production and send all their stock to this village, because "no one is wearing shoes!" It's all a matter of your perspective.

Studies have shown that a very small percentage of the population have been to a chiropractor; about 15-20%. In South Africa, this percentage is even lower, because the vast majority of this country have not even heard of such a profession. What's even more rare in this country is the Activator Method. When I arrived here, it was a completely new concept. But to this day, it seems to attract a broad spectrum of people, most of whom have never been and would probably never even attempt to go to a chiropractor.

I have come across other doctors who don't feel like there is much opportunity here and feel the need to go to more developed countries. From my experience, it boggles my mind, because since starting in Louis Trichardt and later in Centurion, we've never had a shortage of people that need help. Today, we actually get more patients than we can accomodate. I wish I could see everyone, but keeping my life in balance helps to make me a better chiropractor, husband, and father. And I am grateful that my perspective was more like the second shoe salesman.

ARE YOU IN A STATE OF LESS LIGHT?

The purpose of chiropractic care is to detect and correct vertebral subluxations, which are slight misalignments and fixations, that compromise the function of your nervous system. While that is the more technical meaning, when you break down the word sub-lux-a-tion, you arrive at a meaning that is quite profound. The word sub- is a prefix meaning "less than." Lux is the Latin word for light. And -tion is a suffix that means "the state of." If you put that all together, the word subluxation literlally means "a state of less light." I often see people coming in for the first time looking dull and as they improve they seem to brighten. It's always a wonderful thing to witness.

7 HEALTHY HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE

Here are a few quick and simple healthy habits that you can easily incorporate into your lifestyle that will help you live a more healthy, productive, and happy life:
1. Stretch out: Remaining supple is essential for staying healthy. One reason children recover so quickly from injury and illness is because they are very flexible. We can lose this as we age, but only if we don’t stretch regularly.
2. Fruit & Nuts: Your daily diet should be varied and must include a rainbow-variety of fresh fruit and nuts, as they are packed with vitamins, essential fats, and minerals, in a natural and easily absorbed form.
3. Regular sleep: Your body heals and regenerates when you sleep. This is essential for your nervous system as well, and will help you function much better when you are awake.
4. Hug your loved ones: Without loving relationships, life is not as meaningful. Showing how much you care, will help you, your loved ones, and the health of all those involved.
5. Listen to your body: Your body is always sending you signals to help you through life. Rather than ignore or suppress these messages, listen to your body’s innate intelligence.
6. Walk more, sit less: With the increasing prevalence of cars and computers, we sit much more than our ancestors. It is no wonder that spine problems are more prevalent today than ever before.
7. Stay balanced: Maintaining your spinal balance, like these other healthy habits, also optimizes the way your brain and nervous system function, making you more healthy and effective. Life is much easier when you function better.

(Previouly published in Healthy Habits Update, Summer 2007)

DOES BACK PAIN SHRINK THE BRAIN?

Our bodies are interconnected in ways we have yet to fully comprehend. Now scientists are also verifying this. One example is a 2004 study published in The Journal of Neuroscience that found a link between chronic back pain and premature brain degeneration.

This landmark study revealed that those who suffered from chronic back pain for one year were more likely to experience a reduction of the brain's gray matter equivalent to the amount lost by the average person in 10-20 years of normal aging. Gray matter is the darker-coloured tissue of the brain, which is responsible for memory and information processing.

The reseachers concluded that "chronic back pain is accompanied by abnormal brain chemistry." They were not sure of the exact mechanism, but from a chiropractic perspective this is not surprising. The entire nervous system functions as one unit, so irritation in one region is bound to compromise the whole. Subluxations alter neuronal function and in particular, subluxations in the pelvis (sacro-iliac joints) hinders the rhythmic flow of the fluid that protects and nourishes the entire spinal cord and brain. So living with back problems not only causes pain, but also brain drain. Fortunately, we can help you feel and think better.

(Previously published in Healthy Habits Update, Spring 2005)

THE 6 S's FOR CALMING BABIES

Just before the birth of our first child, almost 5 years ago, while browsing through the baby section at a book shop, I came across what turned out to be one of the most useful books I have ever read. It's called Baby Bliss by Dr. Harvey Karp. Prior to the birth of our first child, I had never spent even a minute with a baby alone. I really didn't have the slightest idea about how to take care of a baby, let alone calm them if they started crying or fussing. This book empowered me and allowed me to play an active role in the lives of both my children from the time they were born. For this, I am forever grateful to Dr Karp. In short, this book explains how to replicate the environment from which the baby developed (the womb), and it's benefits for the first three months, and even more for some babies. He calls it the 5 S's: Swaddling, Side/stomach lying, Shhhhhing, Swinging, and Sucking. If you want to learn more about this, you must read this book. I recommend it to all new parents, especially the fathers. However, this book does not include what I call the 6th S: Subluxation Correction. Dr. Karp does mention chiropractic in his book, but he says that he has found that it does not help. In my personal and professional experience, I have found the effects of chiropractic care on babies to be very effective in helping them deal with all of sorts of ailments, including colic. It simply helps them to function better, by releasing interference in their nervous systems. So it is essential to have all babies checked as soon as possible to make sure that their nervous systems are working well. In the end, it makes the start to their lives much easier, and gets your relationship with your kids off to a great start.

(Click here, to read more about how chiropractic care for kids is becoming more common.)

LIKE GRAVITY

About a year ago, I had a patient who was improving slower than he had hoped. On one of his follow-up visits, while waiting in reception, another patient sensed his disappointment and told him that if he has faith, he will get better. When he told me what he heard, I explained that he will improve regardless of whether he has faith in chiropractic or not. You see, it’s sort of like gravity. It works whether you believe in it or not. While in chiropractic school, one of our lecturers told us a story about a time when a cab driver told him he didn’t believe in chiropractic. So he told the driver if he went to the top of a tall building and before jumping, said he didn’t believe in gravity, would he still plummet to the ground? This is the same in chiropractic. I see this regularly in my office, as I come across many skeptical patients. After the first visit, many people often wonder if something so non-invasive and gentle can actually do anything, let alone help them to feel better. When they come back on subsequent visits, they often say, “You know, Doc, I think I actually feel better!” Like gravity, chiropractic is also based on very basic natural laws. Once the flow of life energy from your spine is maximized your body will work better, with or without faith.

(Previously published in Healthy Habits Update, Spring 2006)

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATTRESS

One of the most common questions I’m asked by patients is “What is the best mattress to buy?” Most people spend more than 60 hours a week sleeping, so it goes without saying that it is essential to provide your body with the right support. I had a first-hand experience last year while visiting my parents in the U.S., realizing that sleeping on a very soft mattress severely disrupted my recovery to an injury. A 2006 study from a chiropractic journal also showed that people with back complaints reported a 63% improvement in their symptoms with a new mattress.
Here are some tips to remember when choosing a mattress:
1. Your bed should be more firm than soft. Mattresses can be too firm for some people, however. A recent study found that the heavier you are, the more firm your mattress should be.
2. When shopping, lie down on your final choices for at least 5 to 10 minutes to get a good idea of its comfort level. If you cannot find a comfortable position, you probably have the wrong mattress.
3. Be sure to rotate and flip your mattress 3-4 times per year.
4. It should last you about 8-10 years, so be sure to buy one from a reputable manufacturer. And remember, simply because a mattress is endorsed by a medical or chiropractic association, does not mean it is necessarily better.
The pillow you sleep on is also just as important as the mattress. The latest research has found that the best sleeping position for your spine is on your side, and not your back as was previously thought. The ideal pillow varies greatly from person to person. It’s simply a matter of trial and error, until you find one that works for you. Be sure to take note of whether you end up sleeping on your arm tucked underneath or on your pillow. If this happens when you’re lying on your side, it’s a good indication that your pillow is not providing the proper support.
Proper sleep allows your body to recover and heal. The world is always more enjoyable when you sleep properly.

ARE YOU EATING TOO MUCH SALT?

Salt is one of the essential minerals we need in order to survive. That is one reason that we often crave it. The components of salt, sodium and chloride, are necessary for the flow of nerve impulses along nerve pathways, among many other functions. Without these components, your body would literally cease to function. Salt is commonly found in refined foods and is also a common preservative, so in modern society most people tend to have too much of it. Excessive salt intake can lead to many different problems, including high blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There is also some evidence linking high salt intake to exercise-induced asthma, heartburn, osteoporosis, stomach cancer, and ulcers. So how much salt should you consume? The experts say that most people should have between 4-6 grams per day. This amounts to only about one teaspoon a day. But remember, most foods naturally contain salt, so we don't really have to supplement our diets with salt. Start eating less of it, and you will become more sensitive to foods that have too much salt and you will consume less of it. In the end, you will function better.

IS YOUR DEODORANT HARMING YOU?

One of the most commonly used hygienic products in the modern world is the trusty deodorant. It certainly works well, but did you know that deodorants are classified as an over-the-counter drug? No scientific studies have proven its long-term safety, yet its main ingredient, aluminium, is potentially harmful. Some recent small studies have shown that aluminium has cancer-causing properties. Also, aluminium in high doses has neurotoxic effects, potentially being stored in the brain and spinal cord. The area where the deodorant is applied has a large number of lymph vessels and nodes, so it makes sense that this is a vulnerable area, especially for women that shave their underarms, making the skin more penetrable. There are a growing number of alternative and more natural deodorants that do not contain aluminium, which you can find at most major local pharmacies. Remember, when you pollute your body less, your body will function better. (reference)

ARE YOU EXERCISING YOUR BRAIN?

Meditation has been practiced for centuries as a way of helping to balance a person’s physical, mental, and emotional states. Research has shown that meditation can produce significant positive changes in the brain. One study compared the brains of regular meditation practitioners with people with no experience with meditation. The MRI scans showed that certain regions of the brain associated with sight, hearing, emotional processing, and cognitive function were significantly thicker in the meditation group. This study suggested that meditation could help reduce the thinning of the frontal cortex, which occurs as people age. This study shows that much like when you are not using a certain part of the body, such as a muscle, it will start to atrophy or decrease in size due to disuse. I believe that there are many forms of meditation that can have the same effect. Prayer can be seen as a form of meditation. Also, when a person is physically exercising, the brain also goes into a type of meditative state. Unfortunately, sitting in front of a TV does not count, as the mind is more or less switched off.
So choose your own form of meditation, and make it a part of your lifestyle. You will benefit in ways you would not have imagined. Also, with your spine being more balanced and subluxation-free, the effects on the rest of your body will be even more profound.

(Previously published in Healthy Habits Update Winter 2006)

IMPROVING YOUR LIFE PERFORMANCE

Our basic goal in chiropractic is to improve the way your body functions, allowing you to live more efficiently. Some very good recent studies have shown how chiropractic care improves specific aspects of the way we function.

A good example of this is a study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension that found that “chiropractic upper cervical adjustments to correct the position and function of the atlas vertebra can significantly lower blood pressure in patients with [high blood pressure].” Most of you are familiar with the atlas or C1 and the profound effects of a subluxation at this level. No other single vertebra has as far-reaching an effect on your overall function. So the results of this study are not that surprising.

Another great study showed how chiropractic care greatly reduces the incidence of injuries for Australian Rules footballers. It revealed that those athletes also receiving chiropractic care had a much lower incidence of hamstring, lower leg, knee, and low back injuries. This obviously makes a lot of sense considering the mechanical effects of the pelvis and nerves from the spine.

And finally, a study published this year showed that chiropractic care for employees of a meat processing plant in Canada resulted in a 43% reduction in days of work lost due to injury. The study also showed a significant reduction of the need for surgery, a considerable savings to the company.

All in all, further evidence of the importance of a balanced spine and nervous system.

POSSIBLE DANGERS OF CELL PHONES

Today's cell phones have become a part of almost every person's life, especially in South Africa. They have not been around for very long, so the long-term health implications have not been established as yet. Here is a review of the possible dangers that some preliminary studies have come up with:

- Lower fertility: A study from 2006 in India found that men who used their cell phones for more than 4 hours a day had less sperm and fewer normal sperm. (reference)

- Disturbed sleep: A 2007 study done by U.S. and Swedish researchers demonstrated that cell phone radiation did affect sleep patterns, finding that the study participants took longer to reach deep sleep and spent less time in the deepest state of sleep when our bodies actually do the most healing from the rigours of the day. (reference)

- Increased cancer risk: There are conflicting studies on this issue. However, more and more studies are showing a higher risk of developing tumours for people with high amounts of exposure to mobile phones over a long period of time. One study found that the risk is even greater for those that are less than 20 years of age. (reference)

Until the true safety of cell phone use has been established, in light of the few studies thus far, it is wise to limit your exposure to the electromagnetic radiation from cell phones. Here are a few precautionary steps you can take:

1. Avoid talking on your cell phone the last hour before bed and avoid placing the phone at your bedside. Radiation is emitted even when the phone is not in use.

2. Limit your cell phone use to no more than an hour a day, if at all possible. Use land lines whenever available.

3. Try not to keep the phone on you at all times.

4. Do not allow growing children to use cell phones, even to play games or take pictures. They should only use them for emergencies.

KEEPING YOU FINE-TUNED

One unfortunate aspect of working from a “medical centre” is that some people on their initial visit expect a “medical” experience, typical of a visit to a medical doctor. In contrast, chiropractic care is vitalistic in its approach and does not fit well into the medical model. Nearly all of our patients get relief for the main problems that bring them here. Many also notice other, unexpected, benefits. For example, a patient just told me that aside from the improvement in her back, she has noticed that her nails have become much stronger and less brittle than before. This of course is something that you notice on the outside. Imagine the changes on the inside. Two other patients a few weeks ago mentioned that their bowel function had definitely improved as their spine improved. The effects are far-reaching, and go beyond even the physical realm that we are aware of. In order to understand the chiropractic approach, though, you have to move away from the disease model of health care. I like to think of it like keeping an instrument or motor vehicle in fine-tune. The more you play an instrument or drive a car, the more tuning it requires. This same principle applies to your spine and nervous system. Life is much easier when you are in tune.

ACTIVATOR ADJUSTMENTS FOR CHILDREN WITH EAR INFECTIONS

Several studies over the years have shown that chiropractic care is effective for helping children. Few people realize that chiropractic care can actually help with a variety of conditions, including persistent ear infections. An American news program recently did a report on the experience of one family and a chiropractor that utilized the Activator instrument to safely and comfortably adjust children, with very positive results. To see the video, just click here.

ARE YOU ON THE WELLNESS PATH?

I have recently changed my business card background, from what looked very clinical to something that hopefully is more inspiring to you. With modern print and design technology, you can put almost anything on a business card. So I decided why not have a picture depicting something that is both calming and thought-provoking. I finally came upon a picture of a walking trail through a lush, green moss-covered forest. As soon as I saw the first proof from the printers, I knew it was perfect. The walking trail represents what I call the “wellness path.” The wellness path is basically making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating right, sleeping well, exercising regularly, etc. The vast majority of health problems are lifestyle related. If your lifestyle does not change, you are doomed to struggle with the same health problems that your poor choices or circumstances have created. Chiropractic care is merely one ingredient that helps to make you well and keep you well. Remember, what you do (or don’t do) today, will affect your health tomorrow. It is all up to you.

ANTI-AGING EFFECTS OF CHIROPRACTIC

As a chiropractic patient, you have had first-hand experience with the short term effects of chiropractic care. Most of these effects deal with the alleviation of some sort of symptoms. However, did you know that a recent study published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research showed that long term chiropractic care has possible anti-aging effects. What’s also intriguing is this study showed these effects on a biochemical level. The researchers measured the activity of DNA repair enzyme activity, which is important to repair and restore your bodies cells. In this study, people who had been under chiropractic care for two years or more were found to have a higher activity of this process, meaning that their cells were doing a better job of dealing with normal stress and recuperating much more efficiently. This is just another example of the effects of proper spinal nerve function.