Healthy Gardening Does and Don'ts

A recent Gallup poll of more than 2,000 adults found that nearly 42% had suffered from back pain. Of these, nearly half (47%) said their problems were caused by gardening. Among the 35-plus age group, the proportion was even higher at 56%. Gardening can cause muscle strains, ligament sprains, and back muscle spasms. Following are a few healthy tips to keep both your garden and your back in top shape.

Do:

• Choose lightweight, long-handled garden tools—to help avoid bending over too often.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Wear sun block and sun protection garments.
• Warm-up before gardening and cool-down afterward—take a short 10 to 15 minute walk.
• Perform some simple lower-back stretches.
• Switch hands frequently while raking or hoeing.
• Dig and lift a little at a time.
• Keep your back straight while lifting.
• Use mechanical devices when moving heavy containers.
• Use a cushion if you are going to be on your knees for a long time.
• Change positions every 10 to 20 minutes—take a break and walk around for a minute or two.

Don't:

• Strain, twist, or reach too far in front.
• Take large shovel fulls of soil.
• Hesitate to use a small spade.
• Dig continuously.
• Overload the wheel barrel.
• Stay in the same position too long.
• Perform the same activity too long.
• Stoop or work too far in front of you.
• Stretch or squat with a bent back.

Should I Really Wear My Helmet? YES!

Adapted from the Brain Injury Association of Kentucky Web Site: http://www.braincenter.org/

How serious is brain injury?

Each year, an estimated 2 million people sustain a head injury. About 500,000 to 750,000 head injuries each year are severe enough to require hospitalization. Head injury is most common among males between the ages of 15-24. Many head injuries are mild, and symptoms usually disappear over time with proper attention. Others are more severe and may result in permanent disability. If so, your life has been changed. Depending on how bad this injury is, life will never return to the way it once was. This is a reality. When a person sustains a traumatic brain injury, whether from an accident, tumor, stroke, or any other cause, his or her life will never be the same. There are others who have gone through what you are going through. There is much to learn together. Most importantly, you are not alone.

What is acquired brain injury?

There are currently 5.3 million Americans living with a disability caused by brain injury. Brain injury is acquired damage to the brain, the result of either an external physical force or internal causes, which results in an impairment of cognitive, emotional, and/or physical functioning. It is not of a degenerative or congenital nature but caused by an external physical force or by internal damage such as anoxia (lack of oxygen), stroke, disease, or tumor. It may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness, which results in impairment of "thinking processes" and physical abilities. These impairments may be either temporary or permanent, and cause partial or total functional disability or psychosocial maladjustment.

What is a concussion?

A concussion results from a blow to the head which causes the brain to strike the skull. A concussion does not cause any structural damage to the brain, but can cause temporary loss of functioning. Headaches, memory loss and sleep disturbance may be some of the problems suffered after such an injury.

What is a contusion?

A contusion is a more serious blow to the brain, which results in bruising of the brain and more noticeable loss of functions. More comprehensive care is required for a contusion.

What is a skull fracture?

A skull fracture results in damage to the skin and bone of the skull as well as the brain itself. The form of medical treatment varies with the location and severity of the fracture. Close observation and follow up treatment are always required. Many skull fractures result in mild to severe problems associated with daily functioning such as walking, memory, vision and behavior.

What is a hematoma?

The collection of blood in one or several locations of the brain creates a hematoma. A hematoma may occur between the skull and the covering of the brain (epidural) or may occur between the membrane covering the brain itself (subdural). Hematomas may require surgery.

What is a stroke?

Stroke is a "brain attack," cutting off vital supplies of blood and oxygen to the brain cells that control everything we do... from speaking, to walking, to breathing. A stroke happens when an artery leading to or in the brain becomes blocked or ruptures.

What is a coma?

Coma is defined as a prolonged state of unconsciousness. There is no speech, the eyes are closed and the person cannot obey commands. Coma can last from hours to days to months or even years.

What is a seizure?

These are electrical discharges in the brain that disturb normal brain function. They can involve changes in behavior or consciousness. Roughly one-fourth of people with brain injuries also have seizure activity.

What is medical stabilization?

Many patients with a head injury require time in the hospital for medical treatment such as recovery from surgery, healing of wounds, and setting of fractures. This is known as medical stabilization. Patients may be transferred from the emergency room or ICU to a medical floor for observation, medical treatment and the beginning of rehabilitation services such as physical therapy.

What happens after medical stabilization?

After the patient has gone through medical stabilization, which can take from several days to several months, there are a variety of directions which may be taken:

• The patient may be transferred to a physical rehabilitation unit within a general hospital, or a specialized rehabilitation treatment center providing skilled nursing care. Physical, occupational, speech/cognitive and neuropsychological services can be provided on an intensive basis.

• Some people will not require skilled nursing care and may be transferred to a community program for brain injury patients. These programs offer both inpatient and outpatient services.

• Some people will go home with their families and return to the hospital or a special outpatient program for their therapies and treatment.

• Some people who require extended skilled nursing care will be transferred to a long-term care facility.

• Some people will return home to receive therapy and "around-the-clock" nursing care.

What is rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation is the process that helps an individual reach optimum function by providing a variety of services. Rehabilitation often uses a team concept which includes services of the physicians as well as physical, occupational and speech therapists, neuropsychologists, social workers, therapeutic recreational specialists and nurses. In addition, other professionals in education and vocational training help provide treatment services. However, the most important members of the treatment team are the patient and the patient's family.

Which is the best choice?

The appropriate choice for continued treatment is a major decision to be made by the patient and family. It is important to talk to your treatment team and fully understand the patients needs. Each person with a brain injury is different, with a set of individual needs. You must seek out as much information as possible to educate yourself about available resources.

What do families go through?

Shock, anger, hurt, denial, and depression are some of the first reactions families experience. A loved one's brain injury can change the family's life as well. A grown and independent child may require more attention from you. An injured parent may need the assistance of adult children. As the patient goes through the stages of recovery, so does the family. Support and guidance may help you deal with changes that are ahead. The key is to take one day at a time.

Signs of stress

The stress placed on the family of the brain injured is tremendous. Each individual and family will handle and cope with stress differently. The signs of stress may include the following: inability to sleep, poor appetite, lack of interest in personal care or appearance, a strong sense of guilt, reduced self worth, loneliness, excessive use of drugs and/or alcohol, forgetfulness, or an inability to understand things that are said. When stress builds, seek support from friends, clergy, and the medical staff caring for the individual.

Helpful suggestions for families:

• A skull fracture results in damage to the skin and bone of the skull as well as the brain

• Establish a balance between pushing the person with the brain injury beyond his or her ability to function and not giving enough encouragement.

• Establish and maintain a daily routine.

• Approach the person with the injury on their good side.

• Use familiar photographs of family members, friends, pets or possessions.

• Speak of familiar names, places, interests, and activities.

• Be yourself with the individual with a brain injury.

• Do not overwhelm or overload the person with information.

• Provide the individual with ample time to respond.

• Do not present the person with a task that is too complex.

• Try to reduce confusion in his/her surroundings.

• Talk openly about his/her gains and abilities.

• Communicate with the doctors, nurses, therapists, and the brain injured individual.

• Include and respond to appropriate humor.

Do I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrom?

Ask yourself:

• Do your wrists and hands ache from overuse?
• Do you wake up with your fingers curled and stiff?
• Do your hands burn, tingle, or feel numb?
• Do you fumble when lifting objects?
• Do your hands seem to have less than normal strength?

You may have carpal tunnel or a related repetitive strain injury/cumulative trauma disorder (RSI/CTD). Some form of repetitive stress disorder - mostly carpal tunnel - is now occurring in fully 15 percent of the U.S. workforce. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that CTD's currently account for over 60 percent of workplace injuries. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons estimates CTD's cost $27 billion annually in medical treatment and lost income. According to Newsweek (6/26/95), claims for repetitive strain disorders cost employers some $100 billion annually.

RSI/CTD is epidemic.

Medical treatment focuses on the carpal tunnel, where the median nerve crosses the underside of the wrist. The most common medical treatment is a combination of wrist/forearm bracing and anti-inflammatory medication (steroids or nonsteroidal - ibuprofen, etc.). If that doesn't help, surgery is suggested - cutting the flexor retinaculum across the wrist. While this gives dramatic short-term relief of the symptoms, it can create additional problems:

• Rigid bracing is uncomfortable. Long-term, it increases the sticky adhesions that form in the connective tissue covering of the muscles and tendons. While the arm, wrist and hand feel better when kept from moving, the underlying problem is still present and may be even worse when the brace is removed.

• Anti-inflammatory drugs also block the pathways that heal connective tissue. With chronic use, this creates a cycle of incomplete healing and a dependency on the drugs to reduce recurring swelling and pain.

• Anti-inflammatory drugs are damaging to the lining of the stomach and intestines. In fact, they are the number one cause of admissions to hospitals for gastrointestinal bleeding.

• Scar tissue often grows over the carpal tunnel. In approximately 80 percent of the surgeries the symptoms return within two years.

A better route is conservative treatment: chiropractic, massage, myofascial release, neurolymphatic reflex points, acupuncture, nutrition, specific exercises, and correction of poor ergonomic working conditions. In addition to carpal tunnel, these treatments address related problems, such as trigger points in the muscle of the forearm and neck, vertebral subluxations of the neck, and chronic forward postural strain.

Midwest Chiropractic has successfully treated a number of people with carpal tunnel and other RSI/CTD. Our experience has shown that conservative, non-surgical, non-drug treatment is effective in most cases. It is certainly the route to follow first. Most importantly, it has no unwanted side effects.

In the unlikely event that your case is beyond the body's ability to repair itself with conservative care, the medical/surgical route is still available. If you do not experience some improvement within three weeks, your case may unfortunately be so severe that a neurological consultation is advisable and surgery may be required.

While the course of recovery varies with each case, if both you and your chiropractor perform your healing tasks diligently, you can expect good, lasting recovery within three to four months. If you do not respond by this time Midwest Chiropractic will refer you one of the skilled surgeons in our healing network.

In closing, remember that if you continue the same conditions that led to the injury in the first place, you will be back at square one - in pain and, perhaps, unable to work. As outlined in phase three below, ongoing preventative care is imperative to stay healthy.

Ritalin or Nutrition?

The National Review (Oct. 1, 2001) clearly brought the doping of American children into focus. The Journal of the American Medical Association, points out that Ritalin, the drug used on kids who don't behave appropriately, is more potent than cocaine. The drug works to numb kids into submission by blocking 70% of the brain's neurotransmitters. That means close to three quarters of the brain is shut off. Cocaine only blocks 50%.

Ritalin also causes all kinds of side effects, including lethargy, depression, and suicidal tendencies. If you carefully examine all the school shooting cases, you will find that all the kids were on drugs and/or were under psychiatric therapy. Even the newest scientific knowledge-four mil-lion kids take a drug that can cause permanent brain damage-has not slowed doctors from prescribing Ritalin.

This is not difficult to understand. The parents and physicians are at their wits' end. And critically important-they feel as if they have no alternatives. Many of these kids are abused or have suffered great psychological trauma at the hands of their parents and others. What the physicians don't know is that the great majority of these "problem kids" suffer from brain starvation.

These kids eat nothing that provides nutrition for the most dynamic organ in their body-their brain. While shunning the foods that can fuel their brain, they gobble up huge quantities of non-foods that spell biochemical disaster for the brain. With-out an alteration of this habit, we cannot expect any improvement soon in this national disgrace.

With all kids, not just those who have "ADD" or "ADHD," attention must be paid to what they eat. They must eliminate processed foods, sodas, margarine, candies, sugar, and the like-the mainstay of the average teenager's diet. They must eat real foods in their whole form; including proteins from meat, fish, dairy, beans, and legumes; whole fruits, vegetables, and greens; and real fat like butter, flax oil, olive oil, and real cheese.

And most important, an alternative to Ritalin must be used for six to 24 months so the brain has a chance to return to normal. The premiere protocol for "problem kids" is six Cataplex B, three Catalyn, and six Calcium Lactate tablets from Standard Process daily. If your child is hyper-active, substitute six Cataplex G for the Cataplex B. And in all cases have your kids take a teaspoon of raw flax oil daily, and a tablespoon if they are over age 12. This is real brain fuel.

This amazing protocol will not quell a hyper-active child into a drugged stupor like Ritalin. Rather it will normalize your child's brain function, neither over stimulating or sedating. And when the choice is between creating future drug addicts with brain damage or normalizing your kids; isn't normalizing your first choice?

Source: Health Alert, January 2002, Volume 19, Issue 1