Come in during the month of October… and receive one free ear meridian balancing session! Ear meridian balancing is a form of electric acupuncture that is done on the ear.
Something to think about... from a sign I saw in another chiropractor’s office. “I take ASPIRIN for the headache caused by the ZYRTEC that I take for the hay fever that I got from RELENZA for the uneasy stomach I got from the RITALIN that I take for the short attention span caused by the SCOPODER TTS that I take for the motion sickness that I got from the LOMOTIL that I take for the diarrhea caused by the ZERIKAL for the uncontrolled weight gain from the PAXIL that I take for the anxiety from the ZOPAR that I take for my high cholesterol because – Exercise, a good diet, and regular Chiropractic care is just too much trouble.”
The statistics on backpacks and spinal care… are quite remarkable, and not in a good way. At least 14,000 children are treated for backpack related injuries every year. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends that the weight of a backpack should be less than fifteen percent of a child’s body weight. There are symptoms and/or behaviors that may be indicative of a load that
is too heavy for the child. One would be hearing your child groan or grunt when putting on or taking off their backpack. Another indicator would be if there are red marks on their shoulders from the straps or if they complain that their shoulders, arms or fingers are “falling asleep”. Those packs might just be too heavy. The American Pediatrics Council recommends shopping for backpacks at a good sporting goods store because employees know how to choose and fit them properly for you. Following are some simple guidelines.
Choose a pack that is made from a more lightweight material. The backpack should be worn close to the body, the length should match the length of the torso, and the straps adjusted so that the bottom of the pack rests on the sturdy hips, about two inches below the waist. A waist strap is also recommended. The shoulders are not designed to support the hanging weight of anything (purses ladies??). When a heavy load is put on kid’s shoulders, their muscles tighten and their joints get compressed. This alters their biomechanics and creates potential strain. A common habit is to ‘throw’ their backpack over one shoulder. While students of all ages hate this rule – it is very important to USE BOTH SHOULDERS. My youngest had such heavy books I talked her into a little suitcase on wheels. I was especially concerned because she had to walk to school and her pack was so heavy for such a small girl.
I was concerned for her because if the weight is so heavy that the student leans forward from the shoulders, this can create a chain reaction of spinal issues. Forward head posture results in an extended neck which causes neck and shoulder pain, making it difficult for muscles and ligaments to maintain proper posture even when the backpack is off. Hips can also become sore if a child is bending forward from the waist to compensate for the backward pull of a possibly ill-fitting, too heavy backpack. Knee pain is possible because of changes in gait pattern and resulting bad posture. Low to mid back problems can also develop for the same multiple reasons just mentioned.
Speaking of school and heavy backpacks… leads me to think about stress. They seem to go together. There is a proverb that says, “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” Stress is unavoidable. Everyday small stresses are not harmful; in fact they can be what make life interesting. Various studies on stress assign numbers to certain types of stressful events or situations, like the death of a spouse, or moving. Subjects were asked to go through a list and check off things that have happened to them. The corresponding numbers were then calculated to establish an overall stress level. Stress tests are actually stressful in and of themselves. Dr. Hans Selye, a stress expert and author of: Stress Without Distress, proposes the idea that stress becomes most harmful when it becomes chronic. Distress happens when stress is prolonged and not dealt with in an effective way. Physical and emotional stress that is not properly managed will become distress that can lead to physical illness.
Mild cases of distress would include problems like fatigue, headache, heartburn, indigestion, insomnia, even hair loss. More severe distress could result in illness like cancer, Crohn’s disease, depression, diarrhea, diverticulosis, hypertension, impotence, migraine headaches, pancreatic disease, and/or ulcers.
Physiologically, Dr. Selye explains it this way. When a person has to deal with a high level of stress, different things happen in the body. Digestion shuts off, while heart rate increases. Blood vessels constrict to help the heart speed up blood flow. If this constriction of blood vessels and increased heart rate continues over time, it becomes the new “normal” and high blood pressure develops. The body also releases cortisol to get energy from fats and sugars that it has stored. Cholesterol levels rise. Blood prepares for clotting in case of injury. This requires energy, draining the body elsewhere. The immune system breaks down, circulation is compromised, and joints start aching, as does the head. Poor digestion reduces the ability to absorb nutrients. Sleeplessness, depression and much more serious problems continue to develop as a result of these difficulties.
Many things can be done to alleviate and manage stress. Some are complicated, others less so. Here are some of the more simple suggestions. Since stress triggers a fight or flight response, use it to exercise. Physical activity gives the body purpose for the increased heart rate and other fight-or-flight reactions caused by stress. Any exercise will do. The best kind will be something you enjoy doing and even better if it is fun and with friends. Regular exercise at least two to three times a week will be helpful, but it must be consistent to be effective. Deep breathing works well and can be done as needed. Take three deep breaths and let the air out of your mouth by relaxing your jaw. Continue practicing deep breathing on a regular basis.
Maintain a good diet and include some anti-stress supplements. A high-quality multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is a start. However, most high potency ones don’t have as much of the B-complex vitamins that I think would be most optimal. Check the label on your multi-vitamin/mineral for vitamins A, C, E, B-complex, and minerals zinc, selenium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, Sulphur and molybdenum.
Avoid sugar, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine. Stress management techniques like biofeedback and meditation, tai chi, and yoga can help you learn how to relax.
Regular time spent doing enjoyable and relaxing things like hobbies, meeting with friends, outdoor activities, or reading a good book can all take us away from thinking about work or the things that are causing us stress. These things can help in immeasurable ways.
Something to think about... from a sign I saw in another chiropractor’s office. “I take ASPIRIN for the headache caused by the ZYRTEC that I take for the hay fever that I got from RELENZA for the uneasy stomach I got from the RITALIN that I take for the short attention span caused by the SCOPODER TTS that I take for the motion sickness that I got from the LOMOTIL that I take for the diarrhea caused by the ZERIKAL for the uncontrolled weight gain from the PAXIL that I take for the anxiety from the ZOPAR that I take for my high cholesterol because – Exercise, a good diet, and regular Chiropractic care is just too much trouble.”
The statistics on backpacks and spinal care… are quite remarkable, and not in a good way. At least 14,000 children are treated for backpack related injuries every year. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends that the weight of a backpack should be less than fifteen percent of a child’s body weight. There are symptoms and/or behaviors that may be indicative of a load that
is too heavy for the child. One would be hearing your child groan or grunt when putting on or taking off their backpack. Another indicator would be if there are red marks on their shoulders from the straps or if they complain that their shoulders, arms or fingers are “falling asleep”. Those packs might just be too heavy. The American Pediatrics Council recommends shopping for backpacks at a good sporting goods store because employees know how to choose and fit them properly for you. Following are some simple guidelines.
Choose a pack that is made from a more lightweight material. The backpack should be worn close to the body, the length should match the length of the torso, and the straps adjusted so that the bottom of the pack rests on the sturdy hips, about two inches below the waist. A waist strap is also recommended. The shoulders are not designed to support the hanging weight of anything (purses ladies??). When a heavy load is put on kid’s shoulders, their muscles tighten and their joints get compressed. This alters their biomechanics and creates potential strain. A common habit is to ‘throw’ their backpack over one shoulder. While students of all ages hate this rule – it is very important to USE BOTH SHOULDERS. My youngest had such heavy books I talked her into a little suitcase on wheels. I was especially concerned because she had to walk to school and her pack was so heavy for such a small girl.
I was concerned for her because if the weight is so heavy that the student leans forward from the shoulders, this can create a chain reaction of spinal issues. Forward head posture results in an extended neck which causes neck and shoulder pain, making it difficult for muscles and ligaments to maintain proper posture even when the backpack is off. Hips can also become sore if a child is bending forward from the waist to compensate for the backward pull of a possibly ill-fitting, too heavy backpack. Knee pain is possible because of changes in gait pattern and resulting bad posture. Low to mid back problems can also develop for the same multiple reasons just mentioned.
Speaking of school and heavy backpacks… leads me to think about stress. They seem to go together. There is a proverb that says, “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” Stress is unavoidable. Everyday small stresses are not harmful; in fact they can be what make life interesting. Various studies on stress assign numbers to certain types of stressful events or situations, like the death of a spouse, or moving. Subjects were asked to go through a list and check off things that have happened to them. The corresponding numbers were then calculated to establish an overall stress level. Stress tests are actually stressful in and of themselves. Dr. Hans Selye, a stress expert and author of: Stress Without Distress, proposes the idea that stress becomes most harmful when it becomes chronic. Distress happens when stress is prolonged and not dealt with in an effective way. Physical and emotional stress that is not properly managed will become distress that can lead to physical illness.
Mild cases of distress would include problems like fatigue, headache, heartburn, indigestion, insomnia, even hair loss. More severe distress could result in illness like cancer, Crohn’s disease, depression, diarrhea, diverticulosis, hypertension, impotence, migraine headaches, pancreatic disease, and/or ulcers.
Physiologically, Dr. Selye explains it this way. When a person has to deal with a high level of stress, different things happen in the body. Digestion shuts off, while heart rate increases. Blood vessels constrict to help the heart speed up blood flow. If this constriction of blood vessels and increased heart rate continues over time, it becomes the new “normal” and high blood pressure develops. The body also releases cortisol to get energy from fats and sugars that it has stored. Cholesterol levels rise. Blood prepares for clotting in case of injury. This requires energy, draining the body elsewhere. The immune system breaks down, circulation is compromised, and joints start aching, as does the head. Poor digestion reduces the ability to absorb nutrients. Sleeplessness, depression and much more serious problems continue to develop as a result of these difficulties.
Many things can be done to alleviate and manage stress. Some are complicated, others less so. Here are some of the more simple suggestions. Since stress triggers a fight or flight response, use it to exercise. Physical activity gives the body purpose for the increased heart rate and other fight-or-flight reactions caused by stress. Any exercise will do. The best kind will be something you enjoy doing and even better if it is fun and with friends. Regular exercise at least two to three times a week will be helpful, but it must be consistent to be effective. Deep breathing works well and can be done as needed. Take three deep breaths and let the air out of your mouth by relaxing your jaw. Continue practicing deep breathing on a regular basis.
Maintain a good diet and include some anti-stress supplements. A high-quality multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is a start. However, most high potency ones don’t have as much of the B-complex vitamins that I think would be most optimal. Check the label on your multi-vitamin/mineral for vitamins A, C, E, B-complex, and minerals zinc, selenium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, Sulphur and molybdenum.
Avoid sugar, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine. Stress management techniques like biofeedback and meditation, tai chi, and yoga can help you learn how to relax.
Regular time spent doing enjoyable and relaxing things like hobbies, meeting with friends, outdoor activities, or reading a good book can all take us away from thinking about work or the things that are causing us stress. These things can help in immeasurable ways.