Benefits of the Webster Technique during Pregnancy
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is not only safe but highly recommended to alleviate and support all the demands put on the mother’s body. Our bodies are not only under physical stress from our expanding bellies, but also hormonal stress in preparation for the birthing process. Chiropractors evaluate and correct spinal, pelvic, and cranial misalignments that can create imbalances throughout the body. These imbalances stress the body and produce aches, pain, and dysfunction. The nervous system is stressed as well when the body is out of balance and disrupts the body’s ability to function properly. What better time to have our bodies in balance and functioning at their best when growing another human being? All with a gentle, non-invasive, and drug-free approach!
The Webster Technique evaluates the sacrum and the pelvis for proper alignment and function. With a gentle chiropractic adjustment these misalignments can be corrected to restore balance to the pelvis, sacrum, and essentially the whole spine. If the pelvis is unbalanced, the rest of the spine has to compensate and essentially becomes unbalanced as well. When the sacrum/pelvis are misaligned it can cause dystocia (difficult labor) by having the structure compromised. This change in structure of the whole pelvic bowl (sacrum, pelvis, and incorporated muscles/ligaments) and associated muscles and ligaments of the uterus does not allow the baby to assume the proper head down position for an easier birth.
There have been documented cases in chiropractic and obstetric literature of pregnant mothers with a baby in the breech position who sought chiropractic care and received the Webster Technique that had a positive outcome in the position of their baby to head down. There is still research underway by the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) to further substantiate this. 
Even if the baby is not in a breech position, the mother can still benefit from the Webster Technique to ease discomfort during pregnancy and labor. The growing baby will also benefit by relieving some of the stress and pressure placed upon them by a restricted uterus. This can affect their growing spine and developing nervous system at a time when they are most vulnerable. Why not give our developing babies every advantage during this time?
Dr. Karis and Dr. Cassi both enjoy treating pregnant mothers and their families. Please call our office for an appointment or any questions at 360-693-3030.
A New Way To Approach Your New Year’s Resolution(s)
Making lifestyle changes can be hard; really hard. Every year, January 1st marks a clean slate, an opportunity for us to improve upon the year behind us. According to the Journal of Clinical Psychology, about 40% of these resolutions are focused on weight loss, which is crazy given the weight loss and cosmetic fitness industries that promote products depend on our failures to stay in business. After all, if we didn’t fail on last year’s diet, then we wouldn’t be seeking another one to try this year!
For some, New Year’s resolutions include goals to eat less sugar, calories, fat or processed foods or possibly to exercise more consistently, for longer duration or at greater intensity. I’ve always admired the gusto that can accompany these resolutions but I’ve also witnessed a pattern in my lifetime (which research supports) with these often overzealous goals….Too often, we fall short of the desired change(s) we resolve to make and end up frustrated, feeling like a failure and blaming ourselves and/or our body for not being able to achieve our “resolution.”
Often times, the improvements we desire to make are based on strict rules or rigid guidelines, that don’t involve self-love. And commonly, these goals don’t involve developing a greater love and respect for our body and all it does for us. Instead the lack of self-love creates stress that seeps into other parts of our lives and begins to degrade our sense of self-worth and competence. Hating on our bodies and only conditionally loving ourselves (when we lose those last 10 pounds, can fit into those size 6 jeans or can follow our calorie-restrictive diet 100% of the time), unintentionally supports an unfortunate set of acceptable standards that have been established by the industries that want to sell you their “latest and greatest” products.
There is an optimistic reason we make resolutions every January 1. We desire to grow and improve and live life to the fullest. What if this year, we approached the New Year with a different mindset? What if the goal was to love ourselves a little better? Too be less critical of our shortcomings? To look in the mirror and see the beauty instead of the flaws? To treat ourselves with the same respect that we give our friends and loved ones?
The decision and implementation to make this shift in mindset is really not that difficult. In fact, almost everyone I’ve ever met is capable of sticking to this goal. Yes it will take work, and yes it will be difficult (there will always be attacks on our desire to be the happiest version of ourselves), but we are all capable of LOVING ourselves MORE.
Imagine an outlook on the year that gives you permission to celebrate small victories (drinking more water, eating less processed food, increasing your vegetable intake, eliminating food additives or other toxic substances in your diet) and at the same time allows you grace to not be so focused on your weight but instead, more focused on respecting your body and all it is capable of. After all, we are in this body for our lifetime, so it makes sense that we begin to treat it with respect and care from the inside out. By focusing on not detaching from your body and considering it “a problem, disgusting, or fat” (all descriptive terms I hear far too often) but instead moving towards being in-tune, kind, compassionate towards this amazing vessel is a journey that will help you love yourself more.
Here are a few strategies to get you going…
Envision being happy with yourself for getting to the gym three times this week (that’s two more times than your last week’s average!), instead of being upset that you didn’t reach your goal of five days. Or imagine complimenting yourself on the healthy meal you were able to make for your family, instead of criticizing yourself for the lack of ability to execute such a meal every night of the week.
Make a list of your top 10 qualities. Sounds easy enough right?! If this isn’t something that comes naturally for you and you find yourself getting stuck, then ask your best friend, mom or dad, closest sibling and/or boss to offer up a quality or two that they consider to be representative of you. This act alone of asking others will put you in better awareness of your own self. Refer to this list of positives anytime your thoughts try to take you to
wards self-contempt.
Choose a word (or words) to focus on for the New Year, something that resonates with you and creates a feeling of happiness inside. (My words for the year are inspire and engage, as I want to encourage and motivate those who I have the honor of spending my time with while being engaged and present in all that I do). Try to focus on that word as often as you can. Put up post it notes with your word in places you frequent as a constant reminder of what is most important to you in the New Year.
Try to focus on being in the moment and laughing about the little stuff (I struggle with this, so it is on my radar for 2015). Make a conscience effort to spend more time appreciating the little things in life that can often get overtaken by stress and a busy schedule. Remember that change always involves baby steps as well as setbacks. There will always be many things in our life that we can’t control, so accepting this well-known fact and focusing on our attitudes towards ourselves and others, is really one of the most beneficial things we CAN do.
My challenge to you is to start the New Year with a NEW attitude that focuses on LOVING YOURSELF MORE (which will naturally help you become more positive and better able to love those around you)!
If you need support, encouragement or tools to get yourself in this mindset, email me! haley@cooper-chiro.com
Vancouver WA Car Accident – Help and Answers!
Nobody wants to be involved in a car accident, but, if you do, there’s some really important things you must know.
“I have many years under my belt of helping thousands of people that have had this unfortunate experience get their health and lives back on track and if you’re reading this, you’ll be ready if it happens to you. (I hope not!)“ – Dr. Cooper
So, let’s begin!
Don’t be misled by the minimal damage to your car. People react much differently than glass, plastic and metal!
There are some important things you should know if you have been in a Vancouver WA car accident or anywhere, for that matter…
50% of automobile accident victims sustain injuries to the low back, and of these, 15% develop serious nerve damage.
~Hirsch, M.D., Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, UMDNJ in Orthopedic Clinic of NA Oct. 1998.
Additional symptoms may include: Stiff or painful Neck, Loss of Neck Motion, Back Pain, Numbness/Tingling in Limbs, Dizziness/Loss of Balance, Muscle Spasm/Swelling, Ringing in Ears, Early Arthritis, Bursitis, Neuritis, Tendonitis, Nervous Anxiety, Double Vision, Night Blindness, Painful Joints, Nausea, Irritability and Headaches, just to name a few!
What Causes Whiplash Injuries?
Whiplash injury occurs when the head and neck are thrown quickly in one direction and rebound in the opposite direction. Because the second snapping motion happens faster than the spinal structures can recover, muscles, ligaments and bones in the neck are damaged. This injury can also occur in hard slips/falls and diving accidents. (Scientific Monograph of the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash Acceleration-Deceleration Disorders: Redefining Whiplash and its Management. Spitzer, WO, Skovron, MI et al (1995). Spine 20:85.)
WOW!
Studies also indicate that injury can occur at impact speeds of only 3 mph, where there is little to no visible damage to the car. In these accidents, up to 2.5 times more force than the car itself is received. State of the Art Reviews: Cervical Flexion-Extension Whiplash Injuries, Hanley and Belfus, Barnsley, Spine. Sept. 1993, p. 329.
Tell Tale Signs of Injury…
Often severe whiplash can be detected immediately. However, it may take hours, weeks, or even years before symptoms are noticed. This is due in part to the bleeding and formation of scar tissue that occurs in the deep soft tissue surrounding the injured area.
In some cases, whiplash pain appears at the time of injury and decreases over time. Later, severe symptoms can occur when excessive stress is placed on the spine, signaling an untreated whiplash injury.
Why choosing Dr. Cooper in Vacouver WA to be your car accident chiropractor is the right choice. . .
Dr. Cooper has extensive experience in automobile accident soft tissue injuries and all the paper work associated with your case.
He knows and works with the very best attorneys in Vancouver WA to help ensure your rights are protected.
He uses the latest research proven techniques to correct the spinal structures, remove stress on muscles and increase range of motion.
Our office has everything you need IN HOUSE, including: Chiropractic, Therapies, Rehab and Massage Therapy.
In addition to caring for your injuries, we can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your injuries sustained as a result of an automobile accident in Vancouver WA and surrounding areas and will provide your insurance company and/or attorney with full documentation of our findings.
Our goal is to relieve and restore as much function as possible so that you can enjoy life again!
Have you already been injured in a car accident?
Don’t wait! Call our office right away so Dr. Cooper can begin helping you and take the stress of being in an car accident away!
Why You Should See a Chiropractor During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be such a wonderful experience for a woman, but with all of the physiological and endocrinological changes that happen, it can turn into a not-so-wonderful experience for some. Every woman and every pregnancy is different and no two experiences will be the same.
While your body is preparing to create an environment for the developing baby many postural changes happen to compensate for these changes. With a protruding abdomen, your normal center of gravity is disturbed and causes an increased curve in your low back. In compensation, the normal curvature of the upper spine increases as well. Your pelvis will also start to rotate forward with the increased curve in your low back and the weight of your growing baby pulling you forward, eventually causing changes in the way you walk and make you more prone to trips and falls. This may all sound dramatic and unpleasant, but this is what a woman’s body is designed to do.
Having your pelvis in balance for walking purposes is not the only important reason to visit your chiropractor during pregnancy. When your pelvis is not aligned it can reduce the amount of space available for your growing baby and possibly restrict your baby from getting into an optimal position for birth. This can affect your ability to have a natural birth without any interventions.
All chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women but some take a special interest in pregnancy and seek additional training. Chiropractors who work with pregnant women use a special pillow or table that allow you to lie comfortably on your stomach without any additional pressure on your abdomen and use specific techniques to decrease tension on your pelvis and developing baby. One of the specific techniques used is called the Webster Technique. This technique has been clinically shown to reduce breech babies with an 82% success rate (1). It is beneficial to receive Webster Technique throughout your pregnancy to keep your pelvis aligned and decrease the stress placed on your uterus and growing baby.
Decreasing back pain and potentially preventing a cesarean delivery are not the only benefits to regular chiropractic care during pregnancy. Maintaining an overall healthy pregnancy due to strengthening your immunity through the nervous system is a major benefit. Chiropractic care has also shown to control nausea and reduce the time of your labor along with back pain during labor.
After you have delivered your new bundle of joy, your chiropractor can help you with some of the post-delivery aches you may be experiencing. They are there to help you heal quickly so that you can spend more time enjoying life as a new mom and less time worrying about back pain.
Dr. Karis and Dr. Cassi love to treat pregnant mothers and their families. Please call the office at 360-693-3030 if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
Reference:
1. The Webster Technique: A chiropractic technique with obstetric implications. Pistolese, Richard A. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics , Volume 25 , Issue 6 , 1 – 9
Food Sensitivities & Your Immune System
FACT: Our GI tract is an organ that covers more surface area than a football field and is responsible for consuming and digesting foodstuffs, absorbing nutrients, and expelling waste, which means that when constant inflammation is affecting this area, a variety of problems can occur, including autoimmune diseases!
If you or your child has a food allergy, you are likely aware of it due to the severity of reactions related to one or many specific foods. Because food allergies elicit an immediate immune response, that can cause anything from hives to difficulty breathing (called IgE reaction), they are typically easier to diagnose. Food sensitivities however, are more complicated to determine because of the wide range of symptoms, which can often be vague and take up to 72 hours to present themselves (called IgG reaction). In general, food sensitivities are the result of toxic responses to food and are divided into two categories: allergic responses; and food intolerances.
The most common sensitivities that exist today are: wheat (and gluten), corn, dairy (lactose), soy, eggs and food dyes, preservatives and additives.
The majority of toxic responses to food is a result of food intolerance rather than food allergy. A food intolerance response is defined as any reproducible, toxic response to food that does not involve an IgE mediated response. There are both genetic tendencies that make individuals more sensitive to certain foods and also (probably most likely in today’s world), a sensitivity caused by repeated and excessive exposure to the same foods and imbalances in gut microbiome.
*Some of the chief complaints of an individual suffering from sensitivities include: unexplained weight loss or gain; headaches or migraines; stomach aches; constipation and diarrhea; behavioral issues; ADD/ADHD or other problems related to concentration; skin irritation and rashes; fatigue, muscle and joint pain; Autism Spectrum Disorder; frequent bed wetting; and frequent infections, especially of the throat and ears.
Regardless of the origin of the sensitivity, the outcome is the same…a food containing a molecule that your body has difficulty breaking down or digesting, is allowed to continue down the intestinal tract, which can lead to inflammation. This chronic inflammation can, in turn, lead to a “leaky gut” and other chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases. With leaky gut syndrome, partially digested dietary protein can cross the intestinal barrier and be absorbed into the bloodstream. The effect of these large molecules “leaking” is that they can cause an allergic response, producing symptoms directly in the intestines or throughout the body.
The immune system has a very sophisticated method for keeping you safe that leads it to identify all of the foreign substances that enter your body or that you come into contact with (through our food, in the environment, through skin contact, etc). If your immune system determines any danger/threat, it will produce antibodies to ward off the harmful intruders.
Over 60% of our immune function happens in our gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Therefore, if we continue to consume foods that our body has an intolerance to, over time, the outcome is decreased immune function. Although there are numerous types of autoimmune diseases and they can affect many different organs, at their core they are all alike in that they are an immune response triggered by systemic inflammation that leads your body to attack itself.
Autoimmune diseases are born when your body is working hard to defend itself against something potentially dangerous, such as an infection, a toxin, an allergen, or even a food, and it fails to distinguish between parts of your own body and the intruder. Mistaking certain types of tissues for harmful substances, your body turns these antibodies against itself, wreaking havoc on your organs.
How do you know if you have a food intolerance?
If you suffer from any of the above-mentioned symptoms*, then you could be one of the millions of Americans who has an undiagnosed food sensitivity. Because food intolerances are very common, ask yourself how often you eat the main offenders such as wheat and dairy? Recall your typical day…if you had cereal or toast for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch, a few crackers mid-afternoon and pasta for dinner, some of the major culprits are included in each of your daily meals, making you highly susceptible to food intolerances.
Keep in mind that the top food sensitivities go by many names and so you must also read ingredients and be a savvy consumer in order to educate yourself on where these might be hiding in your diet (For Example: WHEAT has many alternative names such as, bulgur, farina, flour, enriched flour, bleached or unbleached flour, durum flour, pasta, seitan, semolina, hard wheat, red wheat, cracked wheat, wheat germ, wheat berries)!
If you think you may have a food intolerance, there are several avenues that you can take to confirm your suspicions:
You can try an Elimination Diet or a Rotation Diet, in which the typical offending foods would be removed from your diet for a period of 2 weeks or longer, depending on the situation. Then you would slowly re-introduce each food removed, paying careful attention to the body’s reaction (which remember can take up to a couple of days). If symptoms dissipated with the elimination diet and then returned when reintroducing, these foods would be obvious offenders. You can also do a simple blood test or bio-energetic stress tests to determine sensitivities.
At Cooper Chiropractic Center For Health & Wellness, we can offer you a blood test (a DIY kit to take home), in which your finger is pricked and a drop of blood is collected and sent to a lab for analysis. There are several options for tests that can be run, but one option we often recommend is the “95 Common Foods Panel”, which will generate sensitivity results for 95 commonly eaten foods.
There are many natural things you CAN do to heal your body from food sensitivities. If you are interested in learning more about food sensitivities and natural treatment options, please email me, I’m here to help! haley@cooper-chiro.com
How to Minimize Injuries Before a Car Accident Happens
Most of us know the steps to take after getting into an accident like exchanging insurance information, taking photos of the scene and calling for help, if necessary. But what are we supposed to do in the seconds leading up to and during the accident? Here are some very important steps to take to minimize injuries to ourselves and our passengers.
First off, we need to de-clutter our car. Anything left sitting in the passenger compartment of our car can become a projectile object during an accident that increases the likelihood of injury. So anything that isn’t necessary to our commute should be stored safely in the trunk or secured away from the passenger compartment. This will also help reduce distractions while driving.
Now we need to properly adjust our headrests, seat backs and mirrors. The top of the headrest should be at the same height as the top of our heads and positioned close to the back of our heads to minimize whiplash. Our seat position should allow for 10 inches between the center of the steering wheel and our chest to prevent injury from the airbag. Both side mirrors and rear view mirror should be positioned to show our surroundings without having to move our head and body around to see them. 
Wear a seatbelt! Research shows that wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of fatal injury by up to 50% for the driver and front passenger and 75% for the rear passengers.
So now that we have taken all of the preliminary steps to reduce our risk of injury during an accident, what do we do when we look into our rear view mirror and see the car behind us not slowing down and nearing our car? If there is no way to safely get out of the way and impact is imminent, make sure to look straight forward with your back square against the seat. We want the force of the impact evenly distributed over the largest area possible.
Brace yourself. While keeping our wrists straight with a firm hold on the steering wheel, push hard against the seat back and headrest. We want as many muscles tense as possible to reduce muscle and ligament injury.
Brake. Push as hard as you can into the brake. This not only helps brace our body for impact but will stop our car from rolling forward into the car in front of us or into an intersection and causing a second collision.
In the unfortunate event that an accident does actually occur, take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Assess the situation, check for injuries and call for an ambulance when in doubt. If the accident is minor, try to move the cars to a safe place out of traffic. If the cars aren’t drivable, stay in the car and wait for help to arrive. Turn on the hazard lights or set out cones, if you have any, to warn other drivers to stay clear.
We should all visit our chiropractor as soon as we possibly can following any car accident, even one that we may think is minor. It can take days to weeks for symptoms to show up. Allowing the effects of whiplash to go untreated can induce long-term pain and dysfunction in our bodies. Getting regular treatment while recovering from any injury, especially whiplash, will not only help alleviate pain but make sure that the injured tissues are healing properly and restoring function to your body.
For any questions or concerns, please contact Cooper Chiropractic at 360-693-3030. We are conveniently located in north downtown Vancouver, WA.
How To Stay Healthy This Holiday Season!
It seems that the holidays always brings with it an automatic increase in activities in all departments. Kids will have Christmas programs, classroom parties, cookie exchanges and adults, well, the social activities tend to be endless during this festive season!
In order to not miss the true meaning of this season and the abundance of joy that it offers, it is important to take good care of your own health and respective stress levels!
Here are some strategies to help you navigate this season…
CREATE SOME QUIET TIME IN YOUR DAY
Whether you wake at 4:30am or close your office door after lunch or possibly find some time after the kids and/or other roommates retire for the evening, finding 20 minutes of peace will be an energy saver. Use this time to reflect on your blessings, pray, meditate, do yoga or stretch or simply just sit and be still. Your blood pressure (and respective stress level) will thank you!
STAY HYDRATED
With the weather changes and the various temperatures we often go in and out of throughout our day, it is easy to become dehydrated. Teach your kids and family members to carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go- at home, school, work and/or in your car. To make your hydration a little more interesting, try fresh mint or basil along with some sliced fruit for a delicious change of pace. A great trick for alleviating digestive distress is to start your day with a glass of warm lemon water.
EAT BREAKFAST.
This meal is providing you energy to start your day off right. Plus, studies have shown that breakfast eaters are less likely to over-indulge later in the day.
REMOVE DISTRACTIONS WHILE EATING.
It is so easy to multitask in the technology driven world we live in. Cell phones, laptops, ipads….oh my! It’s no wonder that we finish eating and often times don’t really recall having looked at, much less enjoyed, our food. Take a few minutes while eating to examine your food and focus on the taste, texture and smell of each item, you will be much less likely to overeat and find yourself more satisfied after each meal.
AVOID BRIGHT LIGHTS AND THE COLOR RED.
Bright lights and lots of noise can speed up the rate at which you eat and cause you to feel stress. The color red has been shown to stimulate appetite more than any other, so be cognizant of your surroundings when you eat!
CHEW EACH BITE TWICE AS LONG AS YOU NORMALLY DO.
Try this experiment- Eat a bite of food, chew 20 times and then swallow. Repeat. Not only will it improve digestion by breaking your food better, but you will likely take time to recognize your hunger cues. It takes 20 minutes for the brain to receive the signals from the stomach that we are content or full. These signals can easily get overlooked when we race to eat a meal as fast as possible.
USE SMALLER DISHES & GLASSES.
Until the 1960’s the dishes we ate off of were around 9 inches in diameter. Today, the average plate is 12 inches, making it so much easier for our portions to be larger. Using smaller dishes will help keep your portion sizes under control and if you serve your holiday cocktail or glass of wine in a smaller cup, you will keep your liquid calories to a minimum as well.
FILL UP ON THE GOOD STUFF- BEFORE YOU HEAD TO A HOLDAY PARTY!
Eat a small meal before heading off to any holiday gathering. This will allow you time to enjoy socializing and keep you from arriving famished at your respective gatherings! When it’s time to eat at the gatherings, make a point to fill your plate with leafy vegetables and lean protein before anything else. This approach will naturally leave you only a little space on your plate for the more indulgent items.
OFFER UP A NUTRITIOUS DISH FOR YOUR PARTIES.
If you are in charge of contributing to an event at the office, school or with family and friends, choose something nutritious (yet delicious) to share. A roasted vegetable platter, hearty salad or any other fresh and light option will likely be welcomed among the more typical indulgent party foods.
ENJOY YOUR INDULGENCES!
If you are going to enjoy some of the delicious offerings at an event or at home, take time to eat each bite with intention and thoroughly savor the appearance, taste and texture.
IF YOU GO FOR SECOND HELPINGS, MAKE IT GREEN & LEAN.
If you have enjoyed a plateful of food but still are not feeling satisfied, make your second helpings healthy greens and lean protein. This tactic is a great one to incorporate for everyday eating and will help you meet your minimum needs of nine fruits/veggie servings per day.
STASH HEALTHY SNACKS AT WORK SO OFFICE GOODIES DON’T BECOME YOUR GO-TO SNACK.
Lack of proper snacks throughout your day is the most likely reason you will end up eating the office cookies, cakes or holiday goodies that will typically be around the office this time of year. Eating snacks between meals is often necessary to keep blood sugar levels stable and to keep those sugary sweets from becoming a daily habit. Keep small containers of nuts, seeds and fresh fruit and veggies on hand for quick and easy snacks.
BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER A MEAL.
Once you have finished a meal, freshen your palate with a quick teeth cleaning. This trick will be a cue to stop munching and will make you better able to wait until you are actually hungry again to start eating.
MOVE IT TO LOSE IT!
We’ve heard it a thousand times but it’s true, every little bit of exercise we can incorporate into our day really helps. Instead of rushing to get everywhere this season, park farther away and enjoy a brisk walk to your destination. Offer a helping hand cleaning up a neighbor’s yard, the garage or a space at work. Take a family walk (even in the rain) or bike ride and savor the sights and smells that this season has to offer.
PRACTICE GRATITUDE.
Positivity is contagious. Make a point to recognize and reflect each day on the many blessings that surround you. The practice of being grateful will help keep your stress in perspective and make you feel more fulfilled (and less likely to need a cookie for comfort!).
For more information on how to feel your best and have less stress this month and beyond, email haley@cooper-chiro.com.
Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Ways to Boost Your Immune System
With the cold and flu season just getting started and the busy holiday season right around the corner, we often get distracted and forget to take care of our health and safeguard our immune system. Here are few a simple things we can do to protect ourselves and prepare our body so it’s strong enough to repel invaders all winter long.
Visit your chiropractor:
Our immune system is controlled by our nervous system that is protected by our spine and skull. By keeping our nervous system functioning properly, this allows our immune system to work freely to combat any bacteria or virus that try to cause illness. The best remedy is to visit our chiropractor twice a month as a preventative measure to keep us staying healthy. If we are currently ill or someone in the house is sick, get adjusted weekly to help stimulate the immune system.
Avoid junk food: 
Sugar and processed foods are not good for us to begin with and especially while trying to fight off illness or prevent it. Sugar is a poison to our bodies that dramatically decreases immune function. Processed foods are not very nutrient rich due to their heavy processing so they do nothing to help boost our immune system. Eating fresh fruits, vegetables and meats offer the greatest amount of vitamins and minerals that are readily absorbable because they haven’t been processed out of them.
Sleep:
Sleep is so important to a strong immune system, among other vital functions. Our bodies restore and repair themselves while we sleep. When we get minimal sleep our bodies only get the job half-done, leaving systems vulnerable to infection and malfunction. It is best to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night to keep our immune system strong.
Supplements can add that little extra protection:
Olive leaf extract:
For those of us who have higher levels of stress that weakens our immune system or that are more susceptible to colds and viruses, olive leaf extract is great for long-term use as a preventative agent. As an added benefit it also has the ability to lower blood pressure and protect our blood vessels from damage.
Dosage: for general health maintenance take one or two 500 mg capsules twice daily with meals. For a current common cold take two 500 mg capsules four times per day with meals.
Side effects: Olive leaf extract has not been studied for use while pregnant or nursing. Don’t exceed amounts that are commonly found in food.
Oregano oil:
This herbal oil is a powerful antimicrobial that can help us fight off infections like sinus infections and colds. Oregano oil also has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Because of its powerful effects, oregano oil is only meant for short-term use of no more than 10 days.
Dosage: for sinus congestion add 2-3 drops to a pot of steaming water and inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes, twice per day. Capsule form is also available to take 500 mg four times per day.
Side effects: Stomach upset has been experienced when ingesting the oil. Those who are allergic to plants from the Lamiaceae family (mint, lavender, sage and basil) should avoid oregano oil. It is not advisable for infants, children, pregnant or nursing mothers to use topically or orally.
If you are taking prescription medications, do not start oregano oil without consulting with your doctor or an integrative physician first.
Vitamin C: 
Our bodies use antioxidant vitamins every day to boost our immune system and ward off unwelcome invaders. One of the most important antioxidants is vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. It can be found in citrus fruits, kiwi, berries, bell peppers, melons, kale, broccoli and the list goes on. This antioxidant vitamin attacks viruses and bacteria until they’re dead. Vitamin C also plays an important role in our connective tissues.
Dosage: for preventative health measures take 1000 mg two times per day. For a current cold take up to 2500 mg two times per day.
Side effects: Stomach upset and diarrhea can occur with too much vitamin C.
Echinacea:
Echinacea stimulates our immune system to prevent and treat upper respiratory infections. It increases our white blood cells that attack any invaders and raises our body temperature to make their environment (our bodies) uninhabitable. Echinacea should be taken at the onset of any viral symptoms until 48 hours after they disappear.
Dosage: Many commercial preparations are available containing components derived from different parts of the plant as well as from different species and varieties. Recommended dosing (all administered 3 times daily) include the following: 300 mg dry powdered extract (standardized to 3.5% echinacoside), 0.25 to 1.25 mL liquid extract (1:1 in 45% alcohol), 1 to 2 mL tincture (1:5 in 45% alcohol), 2 to 3 mL expressed juice of E. purpurea , and 0.5 to 1 g dried root or tea. If in doubt, follow the directions on the label, each brand and formula may have different dosing guidelines. Echinacea use for more than 8 weeks at a time should be avoided because of the potential for immune suppression by over stimulating it.
Side effects: Echinacea should not be taken by individuals with multiple sclerosis, AIDS, tuberculosis, leukemia, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, or while on immunosuppressive drugs. It should be avoided if you have asthma or are allergic to plants in the daisy family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, and marigolds).
Fish oil:
Consumption of Omega-3 fatty acid rich fish oil enhances the immune system by stimulating our white blood cells as well as decreasing inflammation. Fish oil can be obtained from either eating fish or taking supplements. Fish that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids are mackerel, tuna, salmon, sturgeon, mullet, bluefish, anchovy, sardines, herring, trout and menhaden. They provide 1 gram of Omega-3s per every 3.5 ounces of fish. Vegetarian sources of Omega-3’s include flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, soybeans and other cruciferous greens.
Dosage: We should take 1-3 grams of Omega-3s per day from any of the sources but make sure to monitor fish consumption for mercury toxicity.
Side effects: Taking too much fish oil can result in bruising or bleeding. It should be avoided if you have reason to believe you have problems with bleeding or bruising.
Vitamin D: 
Vitamin D is produced by our skin in response to absorbing sunlight. Thus, our vitamin D levels decrease in the fall and winter. Studies have shown that there is a link between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of influenza. Most influenza epidemics happen in the winter when most of us are low in vitamin D. Taking vitamin D can reduce the chances of getting influenza and reduce duration when infected.
Dosage: children should take 1000 IU per day and adults should take 3000-5000 IU per day during the fall and winter months. It is also a good idea to have your primary care doctor check your vitamin D levels, as you should not exceed 10,000 IU a day.
Side effects: Vitamin D should be avoided if you have kidney disease or an elevated level of calcium in your blood.
Probiotics:
A strong immune system relies heavily on a healthy, well-functioning digestive tract since it contains 80% of our body’s immune system. The majority of the bacteria and viruses that attack our bodies have entered through the digestive system. It doesn’t 
seem like a large area as compared to our skin, but if stretched out, the surface area is roughly equal to the size of a football field. That is a huge area to protect and probiotics keep our good bacteria strong and ready to fend off any invaders.
Dosage: Look for a probiotic that has 20-25 billion organisms that include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Start by taking one per day with a meal and work up to three per day, one at each meal.
Side effects: Talk with your healthcare provider if you have short bowel syndrome.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
Was your Thanksgiving Turkey on Drugs??? The truth about Ractopamine
According to a 2012 survey by the National Turkey Federation, the average American eats 16 pounds of turkey each year. In just one week, 88% of us will eat turkey on Thanksgiving. These facts bring me to a very important topic…..DRUGS!
If you care about the drugs that make it into the U.S. food supply, or about what happens to the animals that supply us with meat, you should definitely care about ractopamine (marketed as Paylean for pigs, Optaflexx for cattle and Topmax for turkeys). As of now, about 160 nations have banned or restricted the use of this controversial drug during various animal productions (and therefore many countries WILL NOT except U.S. meat), but the U.S. still uses this regularly in up to 80% of American-grown pigs, cattle and (you guessed it) TURKEY!
Ractopamine was approved in 2000, as a feed additive to promote growth and leanness in animals raised for their meat. Pharmacologically, it is a beta-adrenergic agonist, a widely used drug class used to treat asthma. Some well-documented adverse reactions to beta-agonist drugs include, increased heart rate, insomnia, headaches, and tremors.
Why the red flags about this being in our animal feed??
First off, the label on ractopamine clearly raises safety questions…. “WARNING: The active ingredient in Topmax, ractopamine hydrochloride, is a beta-adrenergic agonist. Individuals with cardiovascular disease should exercise special caution to avoid exposure. Not for use in humans. Keep out of the reach of children. The Topmax 9 formulation (Type A Medicated Article) poses a low dust potential under usual conditions of handling and mixing. When mixing and handling Topmax, use protective clothing, impervious gloves, protective eye wear, and a NIOSH-approved dust mask. Operators should wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. If accidental eye contact occurs, immediately rinse eyes thoroughly with water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. The material safety data sheet contains more detailed occupational safety information. To report adverse effects, access medical information, or obtain additional product information, call 1-800-428-4441.”
Another very concerning fact is that ractopamine is given to the animals until slaughter. It is actually pumping through their systems as they arrive on the killing floor (and therefore is able to be detected in variable amounts in our meat that is sold in our supermarkets for consumption!!).
The numerous reports (dating back almost a decade) citing the LACK OF SAFETY of ractopamine are not hard to come by.
- 2009, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) termed ractopamine a “cardiac stimulator”. They stated that Ractopamine residues “represent a genuine risk to consumers.”
- Medical journals, cite ractopamine to have “long plasma half-lives, and relatively slow rates of elimination.” This refers to the body’s cleansing through the function of kidneys and liver in addition to excretion functions to eliminate a substance from the body.
- One report from Ottawa’s Bureau of Veterinary Drugs says that animals fed ractopamine developed a collection of birth defects including enlarged hearts, cleft palate, protruding tongue, short limbs, missing digits, and open eyelids.
By now you may already have guessed the even more disturbing news…..The FDA is well aware of ractopamine’s downside! In 2003, three years after its approval for use in U.S. pigs, the FDA wrote a 14 page warning letter to ractopamine manufacturer, Elanco, accusing them of withholding information about ractopamine’s “safety and effectiveness” and “adverse animal drug experiences”. Some of the experiences that angry pig farmers were reporting to Elanco include, “dying animals,” “downer pigs,” animals “down and shaking,” “hyperactivity” and “vomiting after eating feed.”
So how did this ever get approved to be used for other animals, after the obvious problems in pigs?! Aapparently with skilled lobbying, claiming that ractopamine, like antibiotics, is “green” and can help lower the carbon footprint.
As for the meat quality of these ractopamine Turkeys? You can read for yourself what the manufacturer of this drug, Elanco, has reported in their 2008 summary (the year before it began being fed to turkeys that show up in our grocery stores).
They actually state that turkey meat produced with ractopamine has “alterations” in muscle such as a “mononuclear cell infiltrate and myofiber degeneration,” There was “an increase in the incidence of cysts,” and differences, some “significant,” in the weight of organs like hearts, kidneys and livers. Concerning?! It should be!!
NOW WHAT??!!
Hopefully all of this disturbing information motivates you to think about the food you and your family eat! If it does, rest assured that it is EASY (and worth the extra dollar per pound you will likely spend) to find a local farmer that can supply your family with healthy, humanely raised animal products.
You can avoid ractopamine this Thanksgiving and beyond, (this drug can be found in supermarket deli cuts year round as well), by choosing a certified organic turkey. Ractopamine, along with antibiotics and GMOs, is PROHIBITED in organic farming.
There are lots of resources to help you in your quest. http://www.localharvest.org allows you to plug in your zipcode and easily locate an organic supplier near you or you can also head to a specialty grocer such as Whole Foods, New Seasons or the Natural Grocery.
P.S. If you’re ordering an organic turkey make sure you put your order in now, as supply often goes fast and it may be hard to find the day or two before a holiday.
Most Important Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment
Most Important Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment
There are many hidden health benefits to regular chiropractic treatment. Many people see chiropractors as just spine doctors. But our chiropractor views us as whole people and not just the sum of our parts, making their treatment beneficial to our entire body. Chiropractors will work with us to ensure optimal health and wellbeing throughout.
Increase Immune System Function
One of the most important benefits of chiropractic care is increasing the function of our immune system. Our immune system is controlled by our nervous system that is directly stimulated by chiropractic treatment. Once the stress on our nervous system is relieved, our immune system can function properly and provide protection to our whole body. Research shows that people who seek regular chiropractic treatment get fewer, less severe, and shorter colds.
Decrease Pain
When a chiropractor examines our body for joint restrictions or muscle imbalances, these areas can be painful. Once these areas are located, our chiropractor can adjust them to relieve the stress on our nervous system that is sending signals that are causing us pain. They can also give us stretches and exercises to correct and strengthen the muscle imbalances that support our joints. Chiropractic treatment is not only great for getting us out of pain and restoring function to our body, it is a great tool for preventative healthcare and educating us on how to avoid future episodes of pain.
Increase Flexibility and Balance
By decreasing our pain and restoring function to our joints, we are able to return to our normal activities of daily living, but we may not be as flexible as we were pre-injury. This is because during our injury the pain, swelling and stiffness limited our mobility, which decreased our flexibility. Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations can restore range of motion and improve flexibility, balance and coordination. Along with the stretches and exercises that were given to help decrease our pain, our chiropractor can also give us exercises to maintain and increase our flexibility and balance.
Decrease Medicinal Dependency 
Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories and other medicinal drugs can be decreased or avoided with the help of chiropractic treatment for our musculoskeletal injuries. Many of these medications can have harmful side effects and cause other health concerns and they don’t address the underlying cause of the pain. Often times the pain will return once the medication runs out, causing us to refill our prescriptions again and again. Chiropractors treat the musculoskeletal root cause of the pain without adding harmful chemicals to our bodies. The fewer drugs we consume, the better off our body and health will be in the long run.
Decrease Adverse Effects of Stress 
There are three different kinds of stress: physical, chemical, and emotional. Physical stress includes loud noise, harsh weather, physical injuries and lack of sleep. Chemical stress can be poor diet, drugs, alcohol and genetically modified foods. Emotional stress can be more difficult to define and multifaceted. It can be the emotions you feel from physical and chemical stress or it can be time deadlines, personal relationships, and finances. No matter what the stressor is, it wreaks havoc on our bodies and our body’s ability to respond to such situations. Chronic stress can effect muscle tension and cause nerve irritation. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve those irritations and allow better nerve function to be able to respond and manage stress when it does occur. Additionally, chiropractors can help develop personal coping mechanisms to help reduce emotional stress.
Cost Effective Healthcare 
Yes, we will see our chiropractor more frequently than our medical doctor during an acute injury, but research shows that we will see an average of 40% annual savings in our healthcare costs.
Improve Quality of Life 
With regular chiropractic care we are sick less often, no longer in pain, more flexible and active, taking less harmful medications, less stressed and saving money on our healthcare. Any one of these can improve our quality of life and even more so when combined.