We all know that obesity has become a major health problem in the United States.  Perhaps the greatest health problem in terms of lives ruined and financial stress placed on society.  The rate of obesity has grown incredibly in our country over the last 30 years and it continues to rise.

I just finished reading an interesting article in the New England Journal of Medicine entitled ” The Spread of Obesity in A Large Social Network Over 32 Years”.

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/4/370

It referenced the Framingham Heart Study (research done by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and Boston University).  The Framingham study linked a person’s risk of obesity to their social network.  This means that…

Obesity Is Socially Contagious!

The study involved 12,067 socially interconnected people and came up with the following results:

• You are 57% more likely to become obese if you have a friend who became obese
• You are 40% more likely to become obese if you have a sibling who became obese
• You are 37% more likely to become obese if you have a spouse who became obese

It was very interesting that this “socially contagious” effect was not seen in neighbors in immediate geographic locations.   This rules out environmental factors as a strong influence.  Persons of the same sex had a relatively greater influence on those of the opposite sex. So…

Your Friends And Family Have A Great Influence On Your Health!

And you have a great influence on their health and wellness.

The positive side of this is that the influential power of a social network can be used in a good way.  If you are struggling with obesity or even excessive weight gain and you want to lose weight, get yourself plugged into a social network that will help support you in your goals.

If you are looking to experience superior health, actively build a strong, supportive social network with like-minded people.

We can be an integral part of your supportive social network.  You may already know that I love to talk about health and wellness.  But I don’t just talk it, I live it too.  I’ve been at it since 1992 and still learning…  and what I’ve learned I love to share!

At Spectrum Wellness, we provide an incredible weight loss program that is simple and has been shown to be very effective.  If you would like to learn more check out:

http://spectrumwellness.net/weight-loss-program/

If you have any questions or concerns give me a call any time.  I’d love to meet you and figure out how we can help you experience superior health naturally!

Are you exercising regularly?  If not, you should be.  But how often do you include stretching before and after exercising? Knowing what to do before and after your workouts can help optimize your workout routines and help prevent a serious injury.

Many people believe that stretching is a waste of time.  In the USA, stretching exercises seem to have taken a back seat to strengthening and cardiovascular exercises.  Even advanced athletes are prone to skip their pre-exercise warm-up and their post-exercise cool-down.

The typical workout causes your muscles to contract and flex, but won’t allow your muscles to stretch to their full length. Stretching exercises can help:

• relieve stored up muscular tension
• flush out lactic acid (and other toxins)
• enhance your joint range of motion
• improve athletic performance
• reduce your risk of injury

For better results and optimal performance, your exercise routine should begin with a short warm-up followed by several minutes of stretching exercises, and then end with a cool-down.

The Warm-Up

Remember that doing stretching exercises is NOT a warm-up… they are stand alone exercises.  Stretching cold muscles can result in pulls and injuries.  Your best strategy is to begin with a five-minute warm-up.

The warm-up prepares your body and cardiovascular system by revving up your blood flow and your heart and lungs.  When you’re working out, your body and muscles demand more blood flow and oxygen supply.  The warm-up increases your blood flow, increases your blood temperature, and increases muscle temperature.  This prepares your body for increased activity and allows it to function at an enhanced level.  This whole process allows your muscles to use glucose to burn calories and exert energy for more strenuous exercises.

Your warm-up should be a mini version of your exercise routine.  For example, if you’re going to be taking a brisk walk, your warm-up should be a five-minute low-intensity walk.  Low intensity means around 50-60% of your maximum heart rate.

Stretching Exercises

After your warm-up, invest a few minutes by stretching your larger muscles first.  Focus on the muscle areas that are going to be involved in your exercise routine.  For example, a runner would want to target stretch the fronts and back of the thighs (the quadriceps and hamstrings respectively), the hip area, and the calves.

Each stretch you perform should last between 20-30 seconds.  Stretch only to the “edge” of pain, and do not push through the pain.  Control your breathing and gradually increase each stretch with each exhale.  Only go as far as your comfort allows. Do NOT bounce, as this can cause micro-tears in your muscles, that can result in scar tissue formation.  This reduces muscular flexibility and increases your risk of injury and pain.

According to the American Council On Exercise (ACE),  here are ten reasons why every one should take the time to stretch:

1. Decreases muscle stiffness and increases range of motion. Stretching helps improve your range of motion which may also slow the degeneration of the joints.
2. May reduce your risk of injury. A flexible muscle is less likely to become injured from a slightly extensive movement. By increasing the range of motion in a particular joint through stretching, you may decrease the resistance on your muscles during various activities.
3. Helps relieve post-exercise aches and pains. After a hard workout, stretching the muscles will keep them loose and lessen a shortening and tightening effect that can lead to post-workout aches and pains.
4. Improves posture. Stretching the muscles of the lower back, shoulders and chest will help keep your back in better alignment and improve your posture.
5. Helps reduce or manage stress. Well stretched muscles hold less tension and therefore, leave you feeling less stressed.
6. Reduces muscular tension and enhances muscular relaxation. Stretching allows the muscles to relax. Habitually tense muscles tend to cut off their own circulation resulting in a lack of oxygen and essential nutrients.
7. Improves mechanical efficiency and overall functional performance. Since a flexible joint requires less energy to move through a wider range of motion, a flexible body improves overall performance by creating more energy-efficient movements.
8. Prepares the body for the stress of exercise. Stretching prior to exercise allows the muscles to loosen up and become resistant to the impact they are about to undergo.
9. Promotes circulation. Stretching increases blood supply to the muscles and joints which allow for greater nutrient transportation and improves the circulation of blood through the entire body.
10. Decreases the risk of low-back pain. Flexibility in the hamstrings, hip flexors and muscles attached to the pelvis relieves stress on the lumbar spine which in turn reduces the risk of low-back pain.

The Cool-Down

Each of your workouts should end with a brief cool-down followed by a period of stretching.  If you only have the time to stretch once with each workout, it’s better to stretch at the end.  Your muscles will be warm, more responsive, and less likely to be injured.

After your heart rate has climbed and your body has become warm and tired, the cool-down lets your heart and muscles “settle down”.  This helps lessen strain and soreness.

Like your warm-up, your cool-down should be a 5-minute mini version of your exercise routine, followed by a series of stretching exercises.

Failing to implement a regular stretching routine will increase your risk of injury and prevent you from getting the most out of your exercise. But beware, stretching improperly (before a warm-up or with BAD form) can open the door to injury also.  If you’re going to stretch, do it right!

Be very careful if you have any of the following problems:

• a muscle or joint condition
• a prior injury
• pain, soreness, or stiffness in any part of your body

Pain is your body’s way “telling” you that you have a problem.  You may be on the edge of serious injury.  Even professional athletes know when it’s time to seek help.  If you have any questions or concerns, I would be happy to meet with you to discuss your problem.  We provide FREE introductory consultations and examinations each week.  Don’t delay, just give us a call and we’ll schedule a convenient time for you this week.

Vanilla Banana Nut Smoothie

• 1 1/2 C spring or filtered water
• 1 C rice milk
• 4 large bananas
• 3 dried dates
• 1/4 C flax seeds
• 3 medium vanilla beans
• 1/3 C raw almonds
• 1/3 C raw walnuts
• ice cubes

1. Add all ingredients to Vitamix or other high-power blender in the order listed.
2. Blend on high for 60 seconds or until creamy.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious smoothie!

Has it been a while since your last visit or since you received your custom-made Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers?  If so, you need to come in for an evaluation.  New Stabilizers may not be necessary, but I’d still recommend you come in for a visit so I can make sure you have the best support available.

Proper Support For Your Feet And Body Is Crucial For Helping Your Chiropractic Adjustiments “Hold” Longer And May Affect Your Whole Body Wellness!

Did you know that changes in your weight, activity level, and choice of shoe styles can affect how your Stabilizers fit?  For example, dress shoes tend to be narrower and more confining than athletic shoes, so the same Stabilizer can’t be worn in both styles.

This is why your Stabilizers are designed for the type of shoe that you wear… as well as your age, activity level, weight, as well as many other factors.

If you’ve had a change in any of the factors I’ve mentioned, stop by for a visit and let me provide you with Stabilizers to fit all your needs!  If you’ve never been tested to see if you need Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers, call our office and schedule a FREE consultation and digital foot examination.

Never forget…

It’s Easier To Stay Well Than To Get Well!

So take good care of yourself now. It is an investment that will pay good dividends.

I value you and want to help you experience freedom from your pain and superior health naturally.  I look forward to seeing you soon!

Tropical Mueslix

• 2 1/2  cups dry rolled whole oats
• 1/4 cup raw macadamia nuts
• 2 T ground raw chia seeds
• 3 T shredded coconut
• 1 cup sliced banana
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 cup mango chunks

1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl (we get our kids involved by mixing up a large batch; larger amounts can be mixed using the ratios listed in the recipe and then kept in the freezer for future use).
2. I recommend using nut milk(s), soy milk or rice milk instead of cow milk.
3. For a mushy mueslix (which may be better for younger children), use more liquid and let the mueslix soak for 10-15 minutes.

Peer-reviewed double-blind placebo FDA Gold Standard clinical study

By Tina Drucker
888-881-2344
www.druckerlabs.com

Gold Standard clinical study results: intraMAX subjects experienced significant improvement in energy levels and energy production. intraMAX significantly improved pH levels which allowed other ingredients to be identified and utilized by the body more efficiently. intraMAX reduced cellular toxicity and build-up of cellular toxins, improved movement of all the fluids in the body, and helped reduce “free-radical” damage and aging significantly.

Energy results from intraMAX:

• All subjects on the product reported more energy throughout the day.

• intraMAX promotes significant improvement in cellular respiration, and thus enhances energy levels.

Cellular function results from intraMAX:

• Helps achieve proper composition of body pH. This improved level of acidity in the body promotes better overall functioning.

• Helps achieve proper activation and assimilation of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, glycogens, etc.

• Augments the hydration level which is essential for normal bodily function.

• Subjects were tested on Specific Gravity to determine the effects of intraMAX on hydration.

Detoxification results from intraMAX:

• Assists with proper detoxification of intercellular metabolic wastes, and therefore leads to reduced levels of toxicity in the body.

• May help normalize the body’s cellular functions.

Optimal wellness results from intraMAX:

• Helps with digestive enzymes and optimal digestion (especially carbohydrate digestion), which is essential to wellness.

• Helps the body’s natural, normal anti-inflammatory response.

• Some subjects had improved kidney health.

• There was a strong antioxidant effect vs. oxidative stress, by neutralizing “free radical” damage.

Background

intraMAX is an all-in-one supplement with over 415 essential ingredients. Drucker Labs’ intraMAX has 100 percent Organic microcomplexed minerals and nutrients known as carbon-bond intraCELL technology. Drucker Labs’ commissioned Fenestra Research Labs to conduct a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study to determine whether intraMAX helped to normalize and improve cellular functions. intraMAX is an all-in-one supplement with over 415 essential ingredients. Drucker Labs’ intraMAX has 100 percent Organic microcomplexed minerals and nutrients known as carbon-bond intraCELL technology. Drucker Labs’ commissioned Fenestra Research Labs to conduct a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study to determine whether intraMAX helped to normalize and improve cellular functions.

Discussion

The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate an all-natural, all-in-one essential nutrient supplement product, intraMAX, with respect to helping normalize and improve cellular functions. Based on these clinical comparisons and the complete lack of known adverse side effects, interaction, or contra-indications from the ingredients in the product, intraMAX was shown to be a safe and highly effective means of improving one’s nutrition while helping to maintain or improve cellular systems functions.

Method

This was a 30-day, 125-person study with subjects drawn from a large population of people with various cellular imbalances randomized into two groups. Subjects in both Group A (live product group) and Group B (placebo group of 75-subjects) were provided and instructed to take one cap full of product twice daily on an empty stomach with a full glass of purified water.

Instructions also included: no eating or drinking for at least one-half hour of taking the product, and no pharmaceuticals (unless a medical emergency) or nutraceuticals for at least two hours after consuming the product.

Results

A simple nonpaired t-test comparing the differences between baseline and final parameter values for the live product group showed statistical changes in salivary ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential), pH, toxicity, and urinary specific gravity, carbohydrate digestion, and cellular respiration. Statistical analysis of these data shows a consistent picture between treatment groups over time. Results were race, sex, and age independent.

Conclusion

intraMAX is effective.

This research was provided by Drucker Labs’ commissioned Fenestra Research Labs, 1930 Village Center Circle #3-954, Las Vegas, NV 89134

Click here to learn more about intraMAX superfood supplements

Sciatica can be a terrible and disabling pain that begins in the lower back and travels down into one or both legs.  The pain can be felt in the lower back, buttocks, hamstrings, thighs, behind the knees, calves, and even feet.  Chiropractic care and massage therapy (our integrative concept) has proven to be quite helpful.  We have had great success handing many cases of patients with sciatica.

Before you submit yourself to dangerous and irreversible surgery, more and more patients are seeking a natural approach offered by the chiropractic care!

The typical person who suffers from sciatica is over 40 years old and overweight.  It typically begins as acute lower back pain and then travels down the back of either lower extremity.  When really “fired up”, you may feel a burning pain extending from the back, through your buttocks and down your leg.  The pain is generally aggravated by bending, sitting, or standing.

Like a tree’s branches extending from the trunk, five pairs of nerves exit the spine in the lower back to form two sciatic nerves.  These nerves are the largest peripheral nerves in your body – about as thick as your thumb!  The discs of your spine are regular culprits when it comes to sciatica.  You have a soft, pulpy disc lying between each of your spinal bones.  While a disc can’t “slip”, it can bulge, herniate and rupture.  The causes can be acute trauma, repetitive micro-trauma (i.e. bending, twisting and lifting), or spinal degeneration/decay.  The injured disc can put direct pressure on nearby nerves.  The result?

Swelling. Inflammation. Pain.

You may suspect a disc injury involvement if you have more pain when you cough, sneeze, have bowel movements, or extend your back.  To be sure, I can perform a thorough examination in our office and detect sciatica caused by disc injury or other causes.  Sometimes I may prescribe an MRI if more information is needed.

Sciatica tends to worsen when you ignore it.  Extended bed rest makes it worse too.  Dangerous pain pills and muscle relaxers don’t correct the cause.  They just act to cover up the symptoms, and give you a false sense of healing.  Chemical fixes don’t get to the root physical cause.

Surgery often involves cutting away disc tissue or removing bone to make room for the inflamed nerve. Sadly, outcomes of spinal surgery are not very good statistically.

Fortunately, Sciatica Often Responds To Natural Therapy… Chiropractic Care, Massage Therapy, Laser Therapy, And Core Rehabilitation!

Our approach focuses on improving your body function.  Our techniques help improve joint motion, relax tight muscles, stabilize the body, and stimulate healing.  Millions of people worldwide have experienced good results from the type of care we provide.  Many of our patients have reported a freedom from their sciatic pain and an ability to resume their lives without resorting to drugs and surgery.

There is hope!  For a free introductory evaluation to determine if I can help your sciatica, please contact our office today.

Most people find sleep enjoyable – as it provides refreshing rest for the body and soul. But if you’re NOT like “most people” (perhaps you describe yourself as a rebel of sorts) and you could care less about the health benefits of a great night’s sleep… then read on.  By implementing only a handful of the following tips, you can achieve a truly horrible night’s sleep:

1. Stay in “work mode” right up to the last waking minute.  Keep your mind intently focused on work as much as possible. Even if your body has left work, your mind doesn’t have to!  Ignore any temptations to refresh yourself and “enjoy life”.
2. Get yourself “fired-up” at bed time.  Build off of your frustrations, anxieties, and worries.  Avoid any activities that may act to calm yourself, such as reading, prayer, deep breathing exercises, or any other relaxation techniques.  Especially avoid talking things out with a loved one.  Just keep holding on to anything and everything that’s bothering you.
3. Eat just before lying down to sleep. Don’t give your body a chance to digest your food.  That bloated feeling will contribute to a terrible night’s sleep.
4. Avoid exercising.  Exercise can contribute to the relief of your tension, which you just can’t afford to lose if you’re looking to toss and turn all night.
5. Indulge in caffeine and sweets.  Nothing thwarts relaxation more that a quick burst of “artificial” energy.  Avoid foods that provide “healthy” energy, such as whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.  Filling your body with unhealthy foods is one of the keys to achieving a horrible night’ sleep.
6. Don’t forgive others.  Hold in all your anger, resentment, and bitterness.
7. Make sure your pillow and mattress provide no support.  Avoid “cervical” pillows and therapeutic beds, as they can only act to relax your spine and body.
8. Ignore your pain.  Avoid any temptation to call your chiropractor or massage therapist.  Chiropractic care and massage can relieve pain and relax your body and many patients report  that they sleep better while under care.  Relish your pain and stiffness, and don’t worry… it’ll be there in the morning.

We are approaching a crossroads in our country’s health care system.  President Obama is pushing Congress to make some major changes by the end of the summer. You can make your voice heard and influence the decision makers.

From ChiroVoice.com…

Health care reform shouldn’t be about politics – instead, the focus should be on ways to keep people well. Currently, our health care system is based on responding to acute problems, urgent needs of patients, and pressing concerns, and as a result we spend minimal time working to prevent illness and disease. Chiropractic, however, focuses on prevention. Not only does your doctor of chiropractic want to keep you pain free, he or she also wants to focus on preventive care, like smoking cessation, eating better and getting more exercise. Without the inclusion of chiropractic care in any reform plan, people will take more medications, undergo more unnecessary surgeries and suffer more pain. That is not a solution.

President Obama has reaffirmed his desire for Congress to pass a comprehensive health care bill by the end of the summer. Now is the time for your elected officials to hear from the people they serve – YOU – that chiropractic is an essential component to any health care plan.

Please encourage your friends and family to join ChiroVoice, and then suggest they contact Congress to share their support for chiropractic.

ChiroVoice is the voice of patients – people like you – who care about real health care reform. Thank you for your continued support.

On June 19th, 2008, I posted an article entitled “Everyone Needs Good Support and Balance“.  I explained how important it is to have a thorough exam by someone who knows what to look for.  Then your problem(s) can be handled from the right “angle”.  

I explained that you may need adjustments, massage, and exercise therapy.  Or perhaps you may need laser therapy or electrical stimulation.  I went on to explain that regardless of your condition, you need good balance and support.  Then I described a very common condition called excessive pronation.  If you haven’t been tested for this condition, please let me know, because…

This Condition Has A Damaging Effect On The Whole Body!

I now use a digital foot scanner, that (in just about 5 minutes) will allow me to test both of your feet for possible arch problems. In addition to recommending spinal pelvic stabilizers by Foot Levelers, I went on to recommend running shoes by New Balance, model 1123.

NEW BALANCE 1123 REPORT

I’ve been using them for nearly a year now.  I use them when I run 2-3 times per week on average.  I can tell you so far that I’d give them 5 stars out of 5!  They are extremely comfortable, stable, and hold my Foot Levelers spinal pelvic stabilizers perfectly.  They appear to be very durable.  The only signs of wear are some tiny “chunks” of rubber taken out of the back of both heel areas (not on the the sole).  So I can say very confidently that they are still HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!