Healthy eating is more complex than adopting a low-carb, low-fat or high-fiber diet. It’s important to understand how the food you eat affects your body, so you can provide balanced, sustained nutrition to keep going strong.The glycemic index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrates based on their immediate effect on glucose (blood sugar) levels. Glucose is assigned a value of 100, while other carbohydrates are ranked relative to glucose. Essentially, carbohydrates that break down rapidly during the digestive process have the highest GI values. The blood glucose response is fast. On the other hand, carbohydrates that break down slowly and release glucose gradually into the bloodstream have low GI values.The GI index is an important consideration for a number of reasons, particularly with respect to the benefits of consuming low-GI foods:
• Low-GI foods keep you fuller for longer.
• Low-GI foods cause a smaller rise in blood glucose levels following meals.
• Low-GI diets can help you lose weight.
• Low-GI diets can improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin. According to the authors of a 2002 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “sufficient, positive findings have emerged to suggest that the dietary glycemic index is of potential importance in the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases.”Healthy eating requires consideration of much more than just high- and low-GI/GL foods – but the underlying premise is important: providing balanced, sustained nutrition that the body can utilize effectively to generate energy, build muscle, repair tissue, fight infection and perform a host of other vital functions.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Is Vax-D for Me?
Did you know 8 out of 10 people suffer from low back and neck pain?
The Vax-D Spinal Decompression system is an innovative treatment of severe or chronic low back and neck pain. Its breakthrough technology provides relief from severe back and neck pain by gently reducing the pressure within spinal discs without surgery or other invasive procedures.
The decompression table is computer controlled to provide gentle and painless decompression of the involved spinal discs. New spinal decompression system slowly separates and cycle between brief moments of pulling and relaxing. This process weakens the spastic and tight muscles that are guarding the involved discs that contributed to the poor success rate of outdated "traction" techniques.
Most patients experience immediate pain relief after the first few visits. But will the results last forever? Nothing is forever, but many patients are still pain free four years after their last Vax-D Treatment. The key is to keep up with your initial prescribed number of treatments and seek immediate attention if you are feeling any sort of discomfort. If you suffer from any of the following ailments Vax-D treatment may be right for you:
The Vax-D Spinal Decompression system is an innovative treatment of severe or chronic low back and neck pain. Its breakthrough technology provides relief from severe back and neck pain by gently reducing the pressure within spinal discs without surgery or other invasive procedures.
The decompression table is computer controlled to provide gentle and painless decompression of the involved spinal discs. New spinal decompression system slowly separates and cycle between brief moments of pulling and relaxing. This process weakens the spastic and tight muscles that are guarding the involved discs that contributed to the poor success rate of outdated "traction" techniques.
Most patients experience immediate pain relief after the first few visits. But will the results last forever? Nothing is forever, but many patients are still pain free four years after their last Vax-D Treatment. The key is to keep up with your initial prescribed number of treatments and seek immediate attention if you are feeling any sort of discomfort. If you suffer from any of the following ailments Vax-D treatment may be right for you:
Herniated Disc
Bulging Disc
Degenerated Disc Disease
Spinal Stenosis
Foraminal Stenosis
Facet Syndrome
Failed Back Surgery
Neck/ Low back Disc Syndrome (non-surgical disc decompression)
Neck / Back Pain caused by musculoskeletal trigger points
Sciatica
Call Midwest Chiropractic today at 773.229.9600 to see if you are a candidate for Vax-D treatment.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Nutrition and You
While most of us know that good nutrition is essential in helping us feel our best and reach our optimal health; finding time to eat a balanced diet on a daily basis seems a formidable task in this fast-paced society. Though your life may be hectic, there are still many good tasting, healthy choices which can help you lose weight and improve your health. This information is designed to be a practical guide in finding those choices whether you are at home, at work, on the road, or at a friend's home. The good news is that by taking charge of your diet, you can improve your health while reducing your risk of "lifestyle" diseases such as heart disease or cancer.
A good place to start is defining what constitutes a "healthy"diet. The "Four Food Group" Plan of yesteryear implied that foods in the Meat, Dairy, Breads and Vegetable Fruit group were equal in their contribution to a healthy diet. Today, researchers show that diets rich in complex carbohydrates and low in saturated fats may reduce our risk of chronic disease. Health professionals designed the "Food Pyramid" guide to translate these recommendations into a food plan for daily living.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates are present in whole grain breads, cereals, starches and fruits and vegetables. These foods are not only rich in B vitamins and trace minerals, but they also contribute dietary fiber which has been shown to reduce risk for developing certain cancers, lowering cholesterol levels and helping in weight control.
Six to twelve servings of breads, cereals and starches may sound like a lot of food, but when you consider one cup of rice is three servings of cereal, you can see that meeting these guidelines isn't that difficult.
Likewise for fruits and vegetables. Most people gag at the thought of eating four to seven servings per day until they discover one medium piece of fruit is two servings. Your typical salad is at least three servings and let's not forget that lettuce and tomato in your deli sandwich, that counts as one also.
Proteins
Proteins are found in the dairy and meat group.
Foods in the dairy group not only provide protein, but they also contribute calcium, Vitamin D and other essential nutrients required for synthesizing healthy bones and teeth. They can be a significant source of saturated fat, so chose two to three servings of the low-fat (1% fat or less) milks, yogurts and/or cheeses.
The meat group includes chicken, fish, nuts and beans or legumes. A deck of cards roughly approximates a three ounce serving and you need at least two servings a day. These foods provide zinc, magnesium and iron which, along with protein, are used by the body in creating hemoglobin and lean body tissue. These foods can also contribute to a elevated intake of saturated fat, so chose lean cuts of meat like flank or round steak, pork tenderloin, ham and leg of lamb. Skip the skin on chicken or turkey and you will miss much of the fat and cholesterol. Better yet, skip animal protein altogether and try minestrone or split pea soup, chili or bean burritos.
Fats and Sugar
Fats, sugars and alcohol have the least amount of surface area on the pyramid for a reason. They contribute little more than calories to the diet and your body will squeeze them into a fat cell. Worse yet, your body will create another fat cell to harbor them until they are burned,
Many health organizations, like the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society, agree that limiting your fat intake to less than 30% of calories goes a long way to protect you from life threatening diseases. As a gram of fat has nine calories, that isn't much fat. As there is some fat in dairy products and meat, chicken and fish; you are better off to avoid adding fat to your food. Luckily, there are many good tasting low-fat or nonfat salad and sandwich spreads which make the task of avoiding added fat a lot easier.
Yes, certain fats are essential to good nutrition (like linoleic acid), but these are found in ample amounts in whole grain breads, cereals and vegetables. Corn, for example, is where mother nature originally put corn oil. Why not skip the margarine and just eat corn?
In short, good nutrition means eating a wide variety of foods from each of the five food groups. The Food Pyramid shows us that by eating more complex carbohydrates and less total fat and saturated fat, we can become empowered by the good life and not fall victim to it.
A good place to start is defining what constitutes a "healthy"diet. The "Four Food Group" Plan of yesteryear implied that foods in the Meat, Dairy, Breads and Vegetable Fruit group were equal in their contribution to a healthy diet. Today, researchers show that diets rich in complex carbohydrates and low in saturated fats may reduce our risk of chronic disease. Health professionals designed the "Food Pyramid" guide to translate these recommendations into a food plan for daily living.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates are present in whole grain breads, cereals, starches and fruits and vegetables. These foods are not only rich in B vitamins and trace minerals, but they also contribute dietary fiber which has been shown to reduce risk for developing certain cancers, lowering cholesterol levels and helping in weight control.
Six to twelve servings of breads, cereals and starches may sound like a lot of food, but when you consider one cup of rice is three servings of cereal, you can see that meeting these guidelines isn't that difficult.
Likewise for fruits and vegetables. Most people gag at the thought of eating four to seven servings per day until they discover one medium piece of fruit is two servings. Your typical salad is at least three servings and let's not forget that lettuce and tomato in your deli sandwich, that counts as one also.
Proteins
Proteins are found in the dairy and meat group.
Foods in the dairy group not only provide protein, but they also contribute calcium, Vitamin D and other essential nutrients required for synthesizing healthy bones and teeth. They can be a significant source of saturated fat, so chose two to three servings of the low-fat (1% fat or less) milks, yogurts and/or cheeses.
The meat group includes chicken, fish, nuts and beans or legumes. A deck of cards roughly approximates a three ounce serving and you need at least two servings a day. These foods provide zinc, magnesium and iron which, along with protein, are used by the body in creating hemoglobin and lean body tissue. These foods can also contribute to a elevated intake of saturated fat, so chose lean cuts of meat like flank or round steak, pork tenderloin, ham and leg of lamb. Skip the skin on chicken or turkey and you will miss much of the fat and cholesterol. Better yet, skip animal protein altogether and try minestrone or split pea soup, chili or bean burritos.
Fats and Sugar
Fats, sugars and alcohol have the least amount of surface area on the pyramid for a reason. They contribute little more than calories to the diet and your body will squeeze them into a fat cell. Worse yet, your body will create another fat cell to harbor them until they are burned,
Many health organizations, like the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society, agree that limiting your fat intake to less than 30% of calories goes a long way to protect you from life threatening diseases. As a gram of fat has nine calories, that isn't much fat. As there is some fat in dairy products and meat, chicken and fish; you are better off to avoid adding fat to your food. Luckily, there are many good tasting low-fat or nonfat salad and sandwich spreads which make the task of avoiding added fat a lot easier.
Yes, certain fats are essential to good nutrition (like linoleic acid), but these are found in ample amounts in whole grain breads, cereals and vegetables. Corn, for example, is where mother nature originally put corn oil. Why not skip the margarine and just eat corn?
In short, good nutrition means eating a wide variety of foods from each of the five food groups. The Food Pyramid shows us that by eating more complex carbohydrates and less total fat and saturated fat, we can become empowered by the good life and not fall victim to it.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Is Physical Therapy for me?
Here are anwers to some of the most common questions patients have about Physical Therapy.
1. What is Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy (PT) is considered a conservative treatment method addressing the treatment, healing and prevention of injuries and disabilities. PT focuses primarily, but not solely, on pain relief, promoting healing, and restoring function and movement associated with injury. Other areas within physical therapy are ergonomic (body mechanic) training, fitness/ wellness, and especially education and prevention.
2. What can a Physical Therapy program do for me that I cannot do on my own?
Many patients may think that they know how to properly exercise, manage their pain and rehabilitate themselves. I have commonly been given explanations from patients for why they do not need therapy - for example, "I have had this before and I know what works for me" or "I know what is causing this, because my neighbor had the same thing so I will just do what she did" and attempt to manage themselves. A Physical Therapist is a specialist skilled and educated specifically in proper rehabilitation. We are continually educated as to management for different dysfunctions, differentiation of one dysfunction/injury from another and work closely with the referring physician in the development of a rehabilitation program specifically designed for each individual. The other important aspect to remember with physical therapy is that each individual is different. We all have different types of bodies, different patterns of movement, alignments and habits. A physical therapist, along with their trained staff, monitors each individual and attempts to correct improper movements, alignments and habits.
Most importantly with therapy comes education. Because of healthcare guidelines and reimbursement changes, your physician may not have the time needed to explain exactly what your injury/dysfunction/disability is and why/how it occurred. Your therapist is specialized in this and many times is the person who will educate you about the specifics of your problem and what the course of action will be to correct it and hopefully prevent it from reoccurring. PT focuses on education, correction and prevention.
3. How long is it going to take?
This is such a popular question. It seems that everyone has to have timelines, which is understandable because we all have lives to lead. Your physical therapist is aware that rehabilitation can be an imposition. I explain that because each person is different, rates of healing are different. A PT can usually get an idea of your progress within two weeks. Although rehab takes time, it also took time for the injury to progress to the point of causing pain or contributing to injury.
4. Who benefits from Physical Therapy?
Many and all can benefit from physical therapy. Nobody executes perfect body mechanics, training techniques or movement patterns. This is where wellness comes into play. Typically, the most appropriate patients are those who have been in accidents (work, auto, or falls), athletes with overstress injuries, patients with arthritis, pre- and post-operative patients, and people with general deconditioning or strains.
5. What will I have to do in Physical Therapy?
PT generally encompasses pain relief, strength and flexibility training, proper postural alignment, regaining movement or range of motion, improving and correcting posture, endurance training, relaxation and stress relieving techniques, balance and coordination training, proper walking, education, safety awareness and development/implementation of a home exercise program.
Remember that each individual is different, so each rehab/physical therapy experience and program is different. Be patient with yourself, your physician and your physical therapy staff. Healing takes time, diligence and compliance. If you think you may be a candidate for physical therapy, speak to your physician or come into Midwest Chiropractic for a consultation with one of our Doctors of Physical Therapists.
1. What is Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy (PT) is considered a conservative treatment method addressing the treatment, healing and prevention of injuries and disabilities. PT focuses primarily, but not solely, on pain relief, promoting healing, and restoring function and movement associated with injury. Other areas within physical therapy are ergonomic (body mechanic) training, fitness/ wellness, and especially education and prevention.
2. What can a Physical Therapy program do for me that I cannot do on my own?
Many patients may think that they know how to properly exercise, manage their pain and rehabilitate themselves. I have commonly been given explanations from patients for why they do not need therapy - for example, "I have had this before and I know what works for me" or "I know what is causing this, because my neighbor had the same thing so I will just do what she did" and attempt to manage themselves. A Physical Therapist is a specialist skilled and educated specifically in proper rehabilitation. We are continually educated as to management for different dysfunctions, differentiation of one dysfunction/injury from another and work closely with the referring physician in the development of a rehabilitation program specifically designed for each individual. The other important aspect to remember with physical therapy is that each individual is different. We all have different types of bodies, different patterns of movement, alignments and habits. A physical therapist, along with their trained staff, monitors each individual and attempts to correct improper movements, alignments and habits.
Most importantly with therapy comes education. Because of healthcare guidelines and reimbursement changes, your physician may not have the time needed to explain exactly what your injury/dysfunction/disability is and why/how it occurred. Your therapist is specialized in this and many times is the person who will educate you about the specifics of your problem and what the course of action will be to correct it and hopefully prevent it from reoccurring. PT focuses on education, correction and prevention.
3. How long is it going to take?
This is such a popular question. It seems that everyone has to have timelines, which is understandable because we all have lives to lead. Your physical therapist is aware that rehabilitation can be an imposition. I explain that because each person is different, rates of healing are different. A PT can usually get an idea of your progress within two weeks. Although rehab takes time, it also took time for the injury to progress to the point of causing pain or contributing to injury.
4. Who benefits from Physical Therapy?
Many and all can benefit from physical therapy. Nobody executes perfect body mechanics, training techniques or movement patterns. This is where wellness comes into play. Typically, the most appropriate patients are those who have been in accidents (work, auto, or falls), athletes with overstress injuries, patients with arthritis, pre- and post-operative patients, and people with general deconditioning or strains.
5. What will I have to do in Physical Therapy?
PT generally encompasses pain relief, strength and flexibility training, proper postural alignment, regaining movement or range of motion, improving and correcting posture, endurance training, relaxation and stress relieving techniques, balance and coordination training, proper walking, education, safety awareness and development/implementation of a home exercise program.
Remember that each individual is different, so each rehab/physical therapy experience and program is different. Be patient with yourself, your physician and your physical therapy staff. Healing takes time, diligence and compliance. If you think you may be a candidate for physical therapy, speak to your physician or come into Midwest Chiropractic for a consultation with one of our Doctors of Physical Therapists.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Infants and Chiropractic Care
You do everything to ensure your baby's health during pregnancy: you eat right, avoid drugs, smoking and drinking, take childbirth classes so you can have a natural, drug-free birth. After the baby is born, you breastfeed knowing that is the superior form of nutrition; you do everything you can to make sure your baby is healthy ---- but have you had the most important part of their health, their spine and nervous system, checked?
Birth Trauma - The First Subluxation: "The birth process ... is potentially a traumatic, crippling event.... mechanical stress imposed by obstetrical manipulation --- even the application of standard orthodox procedures may prove intolerable to the fetus. The view has been expressed clinically that most signs of neonatal injury observed in the delivery room are neurological...." Towbin A., Latent spinal cord and brain stem injury in newborn infants. Develop. Med. Child Neurol., 1969.
"With the birth process becoming more and more an intervening procedure....the chiropractic checkup becomes even more important to the child's future." Larry Webster, DC, of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.
Of a random group of 1,250 babies examined 5 days after birth, 211 suffered from vomiting, hyperactivity and sleeplessness -- spinal abnormalities were found in 95% of this group. Spinal adjustment "frequently resulted in immediate quieting, cessation of crying, muscular relaxation and sleepiness." The authors noted that an unhealthy spine causes "many clinical features from central motor impairment to lower resistance to infections -- especially ear, nose and throat infections."
Shaken Baby Syndrome: Babies are very top heavy. Mild to moderate shaking of a child can result in serious neurological damage since their neck muscles are undeveloped. This damage has been known to occur after playfully throwing the child up in the air and catching him/her. The damage caused is called Shaken Baby Syndrome. So, when does a baby need a spinal checkup? These are the times, in a baby's first year of life, when spinal examinations are especially important:
1. After the birth process.
2. When the baby starts to hold his/her head up.
3. When the baby sits up.
4. When the baby starts to crawl.
5. When the baby starts to stand.
6. When the baby starts to walk.
Do all you can to give your baby the best possible chance to have a healthy life. That includes childbirth without trauma, avoidance of drugs and medical procedures, and breastfeeding. You have your baby's eyes checked, heart checked, ears checked ---- why not their spine and nervous system? Call Midwest Chiropractic today for a consultation with one of our Doctors, 773.229.9600.
Birth Trauma - The First Subluxation: "The birth process ... is potentially a traumatic, crippling event.... mechanical stress imposed by obstetrical manipulation --- even the application of standard orthodox procedures may prove intolerable to the fetus. The view has been expressed clinically that most signs of neonatal injury observed in the delivery room are neurological...." Towbin A., Latent spinal cord and brain stem injury in newborn infants. Develop. Med. Child Neurol., 1969.
"With the birth process becoming more and more an intervening procedure....the chiropractic checkup becomes even more important to the child's future." Larry Webster, DC, of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.
Of a random group of 1,250 babies examined 5 days after birth, 211 suffered from vomiting, hyperactivity and sleeplessness -- spinal abnormalities were found in 95% of this group. Spinal adjustment "frequently resulted in immediate quieting, cessation of crying, muscular relaxation and sleepiness." The authors noted that an unhealthy spine causes "many clinical features from central motor impairment to lower resistance to infections -- especially ear, nose and throat infections."
Shaken Baby Syndrome: Babies are very top heavy. Mild to moderate shaking of a child can result in serious neurological damage since their neck muscles are undeveloped. This damage has been known to occur after playfully throwing the child up in the air and catching him/her. The damage caused is called Shaken Baby Syndrome. So, when does a baby need a spinal checkup? These are the times, in a baby's first year of life, when spinal examinations are especially important:
1. After the birth process.
2. When the baby starts to hold his/her head up.
3. When the baby sits up.
4. When the baby starts to crawl.
5. When the baby starts to stand.
6. When the baby starts to walk.
Do all you can to give your baby the best possible chance to have a healthy life. That includes childbirth without trauma, avoidance of drugs and medical procedures, and breastfeeding. You have your baby's eyes checked, heart checked, ears checked ---- why not their spine and nervous system? Call Midwest Chiropractic today for a consultation with one of our Doctors, 773.229.9600.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Pregnancy and Chiropractic
Should you receive chiropractic care if you're pregnant? Absolutely! Keeping your spine free from the vertebral subluxation complex is one of the best things you can do if you are pregnant. Actually, pregnant women should see a chiropractor more than anyone else. Stop into Midwest Chiropractic and have your doctor of chiropractic examine your spinal column for misalignments (called vertebral subluxation) causing spine and nerve stress. These subluxations damage the nervous system and affect the workings of the entire body. If subluxations are present, the chiropractor will correct them with a gentle chiropractic spinal adjustment in order to release the spinal stress. Without subluxations the body will function better, have higher resistance to disease and express more wholeness (health) than a body with uncorrected subluxations. That is the essential message of chiropractic.
All this is extremely important for the pregnant woman who needs to have her body as healthy and strong as possible in order to handle the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth. Chiropractic care will help ensure that the reproductive and other systems so essential for a healthy pregnancy receive a nerve supply from the spinal column without interference. The slightest interference to the nerve supply could adversely affect the mother and the developing fetus.
Another excellent reason for seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy is that it is a drugless health care system. Drugs, whether prescription or over-the-counter, can harm the growing fetus.
There are so many things pregnant women worry about: carrying the baby to term, morning sickness, the baby developing normally, backaches, leg pain and if their labor will be safe and (hopefully) easy. Over the past 100 years chiropractic care has proven to help pregnant women by helping to maintain pregnancy, control vomiting during pregnancy, deliver full-term infants with ease and produce healthier infants.
Quick Glance Q & A
1. Is chiropractic safe in pregnancy? Chiropractic is very safe and very sensible for both mother and baby.
2. Is it difficult to receive a chiropractic adjustment when pregnant? No. Chiropractors are trained in adjusting the spines of pregnant women and many chiropractic adjusting tables have special modifications and pillows for the pregnant figure.
3. How late in pregnancy is it possible to get an adjustment? Patients have received adjustments even during labor, as that is when movement/shifting happens in the mother's pelvic area.
4. Can spinal care help postpartum depression? For years chiropractic's beneficial effects on emotional stress and personality have been noted. At least one journal has quoted a doctor as saying that "postpartum depression is a rarity in patients receiving chiropractic care".
5. Can back pain be helped with chiropractic?Chiropractic is not a treatment or therapy for back or spinal pain. However, with chiropractic spinal adjustments the body will be better able to heal its back and spinal pain, as well as many other health problems. Studies have shown a significant decrease in back and labor pains in mothers receiving chiropractic care.
6. Do I have to have a problem in pregnancy to see a chiropractor? Not at all. Chiropractic should be used as preventive maintenance. Periodic spinal checkups during pregnancy should be as common as periodic weight checkups.
7. Can my baby receive chiropractic? Infants a few hours old have been given spinal checkups and adjustments, if needed.
Call Midwest Chiropractic today for a consultation! 773.229.9600
All this is extremely important for the pregnant woman who needs to have her body as healthy and strong as possible in order to handle the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth. Chiropractic care will help ensure that the reproductive and other systems so essential for a healthy pregnancy receive a nerve supply from the spinal column without interference. The slightest interference to the nerve supply could adversely affect the mother and the developing fetus.
Another excellent reason for seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy is that it is a drugless health care system. Drugs, whether prescription or over-the-counter, can harm the growing fetus.
There are so many things pregnant women worry about: carrying the baby to term, morning sickness, the baby developing normally, backaches, leg pain and if their labor will be safe and (hopefully) easy. Over the past 100 years chiropractic care has proven to help pregnant women by helping to maintain pregnancy, control vomiting during pregnancy, deliver full-term infants with ease and produce healthier infants.
Quick Glance Q & A
1. Is chiropractic safe in pregnancy? Chiropractic is very safe and very sensible for both mother and baby.
2. Is it difficult to receive a chiropractic adjustment when pregnant? No. Chiropractors are trained in adjusting the spines of pregnant women and many chiropractic adjusting tables have special modifications and pillows for the pregnant figure.
3. How late in pregnancy is it possible to get an adjustment? Patients have received adjustments even during labor, as that is when movement/shifting happens in the mother's pelvic area.
4. Can spinal care help postpartum depression? For years chiropractic's beneficial effects on emotional stress and personality have been noted. At least one journal has quoted a doctor as saying that "postpartum depression is a rarity in patients receiving chiropractic care".
5. Can back pain be helped with chiropractic?Chiropractic is not a treatment or therapy for back or spinal pain. However, with chiropractic spinal adjustments the body will be better able to heal its back and spinal pain, as well as many other health problems. Studies have shown a significant decrease in back and labor pains in mothers receiving chiropractic care.
6. Do I have to have a problem in pregnancy to see a chiropractor? Not at all. Chiropractic should be used as preventive maintenance. Periodic spinal checkups during pregnancy should be as common as periodic weight checkups.
7. Can my baby receive chiropractic? Infants a few hours old have been given spinal checkups and adjustments, if needed.
Call Midwest Chiropractic today for a consultation! 773.229.9600
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
10 Tips to Keep Your Back Healthy
- Exercise Regularly- This does not have to be anything overly strenuous. Something as simple as a daily walk can make a huge difference.
- Eat a Healthy Diet- Proper nutrients allow the body to repair itself easier and faster.
- Be Aware of Your Posture- Are you sitting up straight as you read this?
- Stretch Your Spine Before and After Sports- This will also help to loosen up the surrounding muscles.
- Don't Overload Your Backpack or Purse- Remember to carry it over both shoulders to balance the load (if possible).
- Stretch Your Legs and Back After Each Hour of Sitting- Whether in a car or at a desk, stretching regularly will help to keep you from tightening up or injuring yourself further.
- Never Cradle the Phone Between Your Neck and Shoulder- 'Nuff said.
- Sleep on Your back or Side, Not on Your Stomach- This helps to keep your spine in line and reduces the risk of hurting your neck while you sleep.
- Invest in a Good Chair, Pillow And Mattress- When you think about the amount of time you use these things each day, it's worth it.
- Have Regular Spinal Check-Ups- It's much easier to prevent a problem than to correct one.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Chiropractic and Kids
Chiropractic care for my child? Why?
Chiropractors often encounter parents who appreciate the importance of regular checkups for their child's teeth, hearing, eyes and ears, but draw a blank when it comes to a spinal checkup. In fact, a spinal checkup could be one of the most important checkups your child will ever have. Your child's spine is his/her lifeline because running through it is the spinal cord, containing billions of nerve fibers that send messages and energy from the brain to every part of their body. Spinal problems can start earlier than you might think -- much earlier. In fact, the birthing process itself has been shown to wreak havoc on a baby's spine.
Toddlers risk injury simply with struggling with trying to walk.... lots of stumbles and falls. Older children are also at risk of spinal trauma. Sports activities, poor posture ("slouching"), improper backpack use, and working at an improperly sized desk all take a toll.
It's no wonder that many youngsters develop a spinal condition called vertebral subluxation. This condition occurs when spinal movement is restricted or bones (vertebrae) are out of alignment.Vertebral subluxation is linked with a myriad of childhood ailments, such as colic, asthma, ear infection, and attention deficit disorders. As children grow older, untreated vertebral subluxations may also spark headaches, back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.
The Dr.'s at Midwest Chiropractic work to correct these subluxations before the onset of symptoms -- and to prevent new ones from forming. This is accomplished with safe and effective maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments. These are extremely gentle, modified adjusting techniques to alleviate spinal problems in pediatric patients.
Posture & Scoliosis: Scoliosis - a lateral curvature of the spine - is clinically significant in 5% of youngsters. Early detection is key to keeping scoliosis under control and preventing the conditions associated with it, such as back pain, headache and in severe cases, heart and lung disorders. In-school screenings are not as in depth as when done by a doctor of chiropractic, they are spinal specialists. Posture screenings conducted by chiropractors are extensive, including various orthopedic tests and assessments. The result is a comprehensive evaluation that provides a thorough assessment of a youngster's current spinal health and risk of future postural disorders.
Chiropractors often encounter parents who appreciate the importance of regular checkups for their child's teeth, hearing, eyes and ears, but draw a blank when it comes to a spinal checkup. In fact, a spinal checkup could be one of the most important checkups your child will ever have. Your child's spine is his/her lifeline because running through it is the spinal cord, containing billions of nerve fibers that send messages and energy from the brain to every part of their body. Spinal problems can start earlier than you might think -- much earlier. In fact, the birthing process itself has been shown to wreak havoc on a baby's spine.
Toddlers risk injury simply with struggling with trying to walk.... lots of stumbles and falls. Older children are also at risk of spinal trauma. Sports activities, poor posture ("slouching"), improper backpack use, and working at an improperly sized desk all take a toll.
It's no wonder that many youngsters develop a spinal condition called vertebral subluxation. This condition occurs when spinal movement is restricted or bones (vertebrae) are out of alignment.Vertebral subluxation is linked with a myriad of childhood ailments, such as colic, asthma, ear infection, and attention deficit disorders. As children grow older, untreated vertebral subluxations may also spark headaches, back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.
The Dr.'s at Midwest Chiropractic work to correct these subluxations before the onset of symptoms -- and to prevent new ones from forming. This is accomplished with safe and effective maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments. These are extremely gentle, modified adjusting techniques to alleviate spinal problems in pediatric patients.
Posture & Scoliosis: Scoliosis - a lateral curvature of the spine - is clinically significant in 5% of youngsters. Early detection is key to keeping scoliosis under control and preventing the conditions associated with it, such as back pain, headache and in severe cases, heart and lung disorders. In-school screenings are not as in depth as when done by a doctor of chiropractic, they are spinal specialists. Posture screenings conducted by chiropractors are extensive, including various orthopedic tests and assessments. The result is a comprehensive evaluation that provides a thorough assessment of a youngster's current spinal health and risk of future postural disorders.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Welcome
We will update this blog a few times a week to keep you up to date with new happenings in our offices, or in the world of holistic health, or even exciting things happening in Chicago. So, bookmark MidwestChiropractic.com and check in often!
Our lives seem to move at a quicker and quicker pace as each day passes. So how are we supposed to keep up? The team at Midwest Chiropractic as compiled a list of some very simple things we can do which will immediately give us more usable energy, and it can start right now!
1.Drink more water. The actual formula for just how much we need is to take your body weight and divide that by two. You need to drink that many ounces of water every day. Water is like liquid oxygen. It goes directly to tissues and does not have to be digested or processed. Milk, beer soft drinks, tea, Perrier, juices, power drinks are not water. Water is water and that is it.
2. Balance your carbohydrates with your proteins. Most of us consume six times more carbs than protein. If you have pasta, make sure it is about equal in volume/amount to the meat you must have with it. If you have a bagel, put low fat cream cheese on it. For breakfast, have cottage cheese with fruit. For a snack, have an apple with peanut butter or cheese. This will slow down the sugar spike of the carbs and will slow down the insulin production. This is huge for energy!
3. Exercise! Some cardio workout just three times per week for 30 min is enough to push the blood thru the tissues and get you producing high-energy compounds in your body. Exercise moves the joints and keeps calcium in bones. It also cleans out waste products from tissues that have been produced all day.
4. Take organic multi-vitamins and minerals daily. Unfortunately most of the food we eat is empty of natural nutrients. It is almost impossible to eat complete meals with our busy schedules and mass produced foods we consume. If you have any questions about which vitamins you should be taking don't hesitate to stop into Midwest Chiropractic and we will be happy to help.
Doing these simple things along with getting your body running at 100% thru chiropractic is a sure formula for more energy. Just do any of these and you will begin to feel the results.
GET MORE ENERGY TODAY!
Our lives seem to move at a quicker and quicker pace as each day passes. So how are we supposed to keep up? The team at Midwest Chiropractic as compiled a list of some very simple things we can do which will immediately give us more usable energy, and it can start right now!
1.Drink more water. The actual formula for just how much we need is to take your body weight and divide that by two. You need to drink that many ounces of water every day. Water is like liquid oxygen. It goes directly to tissues and does not have to be digested or processed. Milk, beer soft drinks, tea, Perrier, juices, power drinks are not water. Water is water and that is it.
2. Balance your carbohydrates with your proteins. Most of us consume six times more carbs than protein. If you have pasta, make sure it is about equal in volume/amount to the meat you must have with it. If you have a bagel, put low fat cream cheese on it. For breakfast, have cottage cheese with fruit. For a snack, have an apple with peanut butter or cheese. This will slow down the sugar spike of the carbs and will slow down the insulin production. This is huge for energy!
3. Exercise! Some cardio workout just three times per week for 30 min is enough to push the blood thru the tissues and get you producing high-energy compounds in your body. Exercise moves the joints and keeps calcium in bones. It also cleans out waste products from tissues that have been produced all day.
4. Take organic multi-vitamins and minerals daily. Unfortunately most of the food we eat is empty of natural nutrients. It is almost impossible to eat complete meals with our busy schedules and mass produced foods we consume. If you have any questions about which vitamins you should be taking don't hesitate to stop into Midwest Chiropractic and we will be happy to help.
Doing these simple things along with getting your body running at 100% thru chiropractic is a sure formula for more energy. Just do any of these and you will begin to feel the results.
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