Midwest Chiropractic Blog

Healthy Gardening Does and Don'ts

2010-05-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-05-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-05-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-05-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

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

Scoliosis and Adolescent Chiropractic Care

2010-04-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

Analysis and Procedures

The study was conducted at Life Chiropractic College West's public clinic in Hayward, California. X-rays were taken of the children standing, from posterior to anterior, using a rigorous positioning protocol. The participants were given full-spine adjustments, typically once to three times a week over a one year period. Particular attention was on the sacroiliac joints, the lowest segment in the curve, the apex of the curve, and segments above the curve that reacted compensatorily to the primary curve, including the cervical spine.

Prior to the adjustments, muscle work was done to the paraspinal muscles of the curve. Additionally, if the x-ray analysis found pelvic tilt, heel-lifts were provided to level the pelvis. The children were encouraged to exercise regularly, including hanging by the hands to flex the spine to open the concavity of the curve.

Results

Of the 150 children who qualified for the study, 40 completed the one year course of care and had follow-up x-rays. Preliminary results indicate an average reduction of 1.4 degrees in the curvature of the subjects' spines; the children less than 10 years old showed an average improvement of 2.6 degrees; those over 10, showed an average improvement of 0.9 degrees.

A preliminary observation was made of a high incidence of pelvic tilt to the side of convexity in children with lumbar curves, however, there is no quantitative data on this observation.

The researchers noted that their lack of a control group "hampers an interpretation," but their intent was to study the effect of chiropractic care on the "curve itself, and the results are very promising."

The researchers pointed out that the medical community does not offer treatment for spinal curves of less than 20 degrees, and indeed often doesn't even consider such variance as scoliosis. While the researchers assert that many questions remain to be answered about chiropractic care and scoliosis, they note: "Chiropractic appears to offer a distinct advantage in the management and monitoring of early stage scoliosis."

Essential Vitamins for Women

2010-04-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

If you’re a health-conscious woman, you probably know your nutritional needs change with each stage of life. If you’re of childbearing age, you need an adequate intake of folic acid to prevent birth defects. If you’ve experienced the menopause, you may need to increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones strong. A deficiency of either vitamin when your body needs it can lead to serious health problems.

What are vitamins anyway?

Vitamins are essential chemicals that take part in all your body’s processes. They do that by participating in reactions inside cells. Each vitamin performs a specific function in the body, and no single food contains all the vitamins you need. Except for vitamin D, the human body cannot make vitamins. So you need to get vitamins from the foods you eat or from vitamin supplements.

At different stages of your life, your body’s need for specific vitamins varies. When you don’t get enough of a particular vitamin you need, you run the risk of serious health problems.

Many women know that eating five servings of fruit and vegetables each day is a good way to get their essential vitamins. Most women, though, don’t eat the quantity of fruits and vegetables that are recommended. As a result, many women in every age group are at risk of vitamin deficiencies.

Let’s look at some essential vitamins for women. Let’s explore what each vitamin does to boost your health and which whole foods are good sources of this vitamin. Let’s also examine how much you need to prevent disease, as well as which vitamins are more important depending on your specific stage of life.

How do antioxidant vitamins boost health?

Many foods have antioxidant properties. However, there are specific vitamins that are known as antioxidant vitamins. They include vitamin A -- retinol and the carotenoids -- vitamin C, and vitamin E. These antioxidant vitamins appear to play a role in the body's cell-protection system. They do this by neutralising highly reactive and unstable molecules, called free radicals, that your body produces.

Free radicals have been shown to disrupt and tear apart vital cell structures like cell membranes. Antioxidants tie up these free radicals and take away their destructive power. That may reduce the risk of chronic illness and slow down the ageing process. Some researchers also believe that antioxidants might help boost immune function when a system is under stress. Antioxidants include:

• Beta-carotene, found in apricots, carrots, cantaloupe, and pumpkin, is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A aids in the building and strengthening of bones, soft tissue, skin, and mucous membranes. Other carotenoid compounds also have antioxidant properties including alpha-carotene (found in carrots, cantaloupe, and pumpkin), gamma-carotene (found in apricots and tomatoes) and lycopene (found in tomatoes, watermelon, and guava).

Food sources of beta-carotene include apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, kale, papaya, peach, pumpkin, red peppers, and spinach.

• Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, aids in wound healing and plays a role in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin C also boosts levels of the brain chemical noradrenaline. Noradrenaline is a neurotransmitter. It boosts alertness and increases concentration. Studies show that when the body is under great stress, or during the ageing process, levels of ascorbic acid decline.

Food sources of vitamin C include broccoli, grapefruit and grapefruit juice, kiwi, oranges, pepper, potato, strawberries, and tomato.

• Vitamin E is also known as tocopherol. It plays a key role in the formation of red blood cells and in the maintenance of cell membranes. Vitamin E may slow age-related changes in the body. Adults with intestinal disorders of malabsorption may be deficient in vitamin E. But taking too much vitamin E daily increases the risk of bleeding.

Food sources of vitamin E include margarine, corn oil, cod-liver oil, hazelnuts, peanut butter, safflower oil, sunflower seeds, and wheat germ.

Vitamin B12, like the other B vitamins, is important for metabolism, normal cell division, and protein synthesis. Anaemia is one of the most common consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency. Vegetarians of all ages are at risk of deficiency and may benefit from a daily vitamin B12 supplement. Vitamin B12 levels can be measured by a blood test. Your doctor can advise you if a blood test or supplement is needed.

If you’re over age 50, you may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 in its natural form because of changes in the stomach. You may need three-monthly injections of vitamin B12.

Food sources of vitamin B12 include cheese, eggs, fish, meat, milk, and yogurt.

• Folate, or folic acid, is essential in the development of the central nervous system. This key nutrient also helps to make DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells. It also prevents alterations to DNA that can lead to cancer. Adults and children require folate to build normal red blood cells and prevent anaemia.

Deficiencies of folate in women who are pregnant are linked to neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Spina bifida is an incomplete closure of the spine. Because of this risk of birth defects, many foods, such as breads and breakfast cereals, are now fortified with folic acid.

Food sources of folate include vegetables such as spinach and greens, asparagus, citrus fruits, melons, strawberries, fortified grains, legumes, beans -- especially chickpeas, black beans, and kidney beans -- nutritional yeast, eggs, and organ meats such as liver.

What are the recommendations for vitamin D?

Younger adults may get plenty of sunlight throughout the day to keep this vitamin at the proper level. Many middle aged and older adults, on the other hand, may have a problem. The Food Standards Agency recommends that older adults, people of Asian origin, and people who do not get adequate sunlight each day take extra vitamin D from vitamin D-fortified foods and/or supplements. As calcium and vitamin D are closely linked, many doctors recommend that older people, especially post-menopausal women, take a combined calcium and vitamin D supplement.

What foods contain vitamin K?

Vitamin K is not considered an essential vitamin. It does, though, play a key role in promoting strong bones and maintaining normal blood clotting in older people. The best food sources of vitamin K include green leafy vegetables, soybean oil, broccoli, alfalfa, cooked spinach, and fish oil.

Do I have to eat whole foods to get these essential vitamins or could I use supplements?

Most dieticians recommend getting essential vitamins through whole foods without relying on supplements. But talk to your doctor to make sure.

With whole fruits you get specific vitamins as well as all the essential nutrients necessary for immune function and energy.

The likelihood of ingesting too much of any vitamin from whole foods is remote. However, overdosing from mega-vitamin supplementation does occur. In large doses, some vitamins have documented side-effects that tend to be more severe. For these reasons, you should never take mega-doses of any vitamin without speaking to your doctor first.

Keeping Your Body Energized

2009-09-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Is Vax-D for Me?

2009-09-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

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:

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.

Nutrition and You

2009-07-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

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.

Is Physical Therapy for me?

2009-06-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

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.

Infants and Chiropractic Care

2009-06-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

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.

Pregnancy and Chiropractic

2009-05-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

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.

Chiropractic and Kids

2009-05-06T06:08:00.000-07:00

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.

Welcome

2009-04-17T05:54:00.001-07:00

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!

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.