Dr. Langleys Articles

Is Your Child's Backpack Causing Spinal Injury?

Almost every child seems to carry a backpack in one form or another.  Although these bags have become as common as pencils and paper, if not worn or used properly, heavy backpacks can have a destructive impact on posture and the developing spines of children that can last a lifetime. Recent studies have reported that as much as 64 percent of children suffer from backpack related back pain.  65 percent of adolescent doctor visits are due to backpack injuries (reported by NPR, October 1998).  The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that 3,300 children ages 5-14 were treated in the ER for backpack related injuries.  There is also an alarming increase in mild to moderate scoliosis (abnormal lateral curvature of the spine) in young children due to heavy and improperly worn backpacks  Excess weight on a spine that is growing and developing can create injuries that will heal wrong and, as the child goes through growth spurts, will grow wrong.  Common problems associated with backpack injury are:  neck pain, upper and middle back pain, lower back pain, arm and/or hand numbness, shoulder pain, headaches, fatigue, postural distortion, abnormal gait. Here are some guidelines on what to look for in a backpack, how much weight your child can handle, and how to use it.

Backpack Features to look for:  lightweight, wide padded straps for comfort and separate compartments to disburse the load. Waist straps help to transfer the load to the hips. The size of the backpack should not be larger than your child's back.

How Much Weight is appropriate? 

 Body Weight                                               Backpack Weight                    

  40 lbs.                                                            6    lbs.                                     

 50 lbs.                                                            7.5  lbs.                      

80 lbs.                                                           12    lbs.                    

100 lbs.                                                            15   lbs.                    

130 lbs.                                                            19.5 lbs.

Other Tips:  Pack only what you need.  You may want to contact the school and request an "at home" set of school texts, eliminating the need for your child to bring home heavy textbooks for homework each day.  Pack heavier items at the bottom, try to transfer the heavier weight to the hips.  Tighten the shoulder straps so that the backpack does not hang below the waist line.  ALWAYS USE BOTH SHOULDER STRAPS.    

 At Langley Family Chiropractic, we are committed to helping our children grow up healthy and strong!  If you have not had your child's spine checked recently, please call today to schedule your consultation and examination.  What you do today to stay healthy reaps the rewards later in life.  Let's give our kids a great start to their school year!




It’s that time of year again – flu season.  The media is encouraging, if not harassing you to get your flu shot.  But is it really all that it’s cracked up to be?  For most people, the flu shot does not make you healthy; it does just the opposite and weakens your immune system.

Flu Shots Less Effective Than Previously Thought

A report in the October 28, 2006 issue of the British Medical Journal says that flu shots aren’t as effective as promoted by their manufacturers.  Lead researcher, Dr. Tom Jefferson, coordinator of the Cochrane Vaccines Field in Rome, Italy says, “We’ve got an exaggerated expectation of what vaccines can actually do.  I’m hoping American and European taxpayers will be alerted and will start asking questions.

In this study, Jefferson looked at all the systematic reviews he could find around the world that studied the effectiveness of the inactivated (dead virus) vaccine.  He chose systematic reviews for the study because they “are the gold standard for evaluating effectiveness.” 

In the U.S., medical authorities recommend that the flu vaccine be given to children aged 6 to 23 months, anyone over 50, and to people with chronic disease conditions such as asthma and heart disease.  For the first time, they are recommending that children aged 23 months to 5 years old also be given the vaccine.   As published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, “found no evidence that the flu vaccine is any more effective than a placebo in children.”  The study involved 260,000 children.

Yet another study in the British Medical Journal “The Lancet questions the benefits of flu shots for elderly people and says the benefits are “greatly exaggerated.”  The researchers stated that the public policy for the elderly getting flu shots is based on flimsy, even nonexistent evidence.  Dr. Lisa Jackson was quoted in a news story about her research stating:  “The message is:  We should not be basing our vaccine policy on data that is faulty,” and went on to say, “We find it peculiar that the claims that influenza vaccination can prevent half or more of all winter deaths in elderly people have not been more vigorously debated.”

Research published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine also confirms that there has been no decrease in deaths from influenza and pneumonia in the elderly, despite the fact that vaccination coverage among the elderly has increased from 15% in 1980 to 65% now.

What About the Side-Effects?

In terms of side effects, some studies have shown an association between Guillian Barre’ Syndrome and flu shots.  In terms of risk/benefit ratio, reports claim that influenza kills 30-40,000 Americans every year.  Though the CDC lumps the flu and pneumonia in together to come up with these numbers.  According to Mercola the actual number of deaths attributable to the flu itself is less than 1,000 a year.

                Add to this the majority of flu vaccines distributed in the United States contain Thimerosal and, that while highly controversial, this methyl mercury based preservative has been claimed to be linked to autism, Alzheimers, and ADD/ADHD.

And if that’s not enough…

                70% of doctors and nurses do not get the flu vaccine!  Their reasons why they opted out

  • They didn’t believe the vaccine works
  • They believed their immune systems were strong enough to withstand exposure to the flu
  • They were concerned about the side effects.

How to Prevent the Flu Without Getting the Flu Shot

If you follow a healthy lifestyle, you will not have to worry about getting the flu.  These “bugs” fly around all the time.  It is not the “bug” that causes the flu, it is the resistance of the host (or lack of resistance). Follow these simple steps to keep your resistance high and your immune system strong and and stay flu-free:

  • Get plenty of sunshine for Vitamin D
  • Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
  • Avoid SUGAR (which weakens your immune system)
  • Get adequate sleep
  • Get regular chiropractic adjustments – People under chiropractic care have a 200% increase in their immune system than people who are not

 

Stress Linked to Decreased Immunity        

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."  - Oliver Wendell Holmes

The last few months of 2012 have been extremely stressful for our country.   Super storm Sandy and the devastation left behind, the horror at Sandy Hook Elementary, and who can forget the words "Fiscal Cliff"?  There's no doubt we are living with very high levels of stress.  There is an abundance of evidence that now shows that psychological stress in both animals and humans can produce physiological changes that suppress the immune system and may make us prone to illness.*  The strength of your immune system comes from

  • Your Nervous System
  • Your Diet
  • Your Stress Levels
  • Your Sleep

Your body’s stress reaction is meant to protect you, but when it is constantly on “alert”, it can wreak havoc on your health.  The hypothalamus (part of your brain) sets off alarm systems in your body, prompting your adrenal glands (located at the top of your kidneys) to release hormones including adrenaline and cortisol.  Adrenaline increases blood pressure and boosts energy.  Cortisol increases blood sugar, alters immune response, decreases digestion.  Usually, after the threat/stress is over, these levels come back to normal.  However, when the Fight or Flight mechanism stays on, it can leave you stressed, “burned-out”, nervous, on edge, muscle spasms, and lower your resistance to invading microorganisms.  Long term activation of your stress response system and chronic overexposure to the stress hormones disrupts your body’s normal processes and can lead to

  • Heart disease
  • Sleep problems
  • Digestive problems
  • Depression
  • Obesity
  • Memory Impairment
  • Worsening of Skin Conditions like Eczema & Psoriasis

After 25 years in practice, I found that people not only react to stress differently, but it also interferes with your ability to heal properly and gets in the way of your progress.   One of the greatest benefits of Chiropractic care is increased immunity. "About 60% of visits to healthcare professionals are in the 'stress-related, mind-body realm' exacerbating problems," says Herbert Benson, president of the Mind-Body Medical Institute. To relieve cycles of stress, Dr. Benson suggests "turning on a natural inner switch." (USA Today, 5/27/03)

Because your immune system is directly linked to your nervous system, every time the interference to your nerve system is removed (chiropractic adjustment) you get a boost to your immune system.  People that participate in Wellness Chiropractic care have been shown to have a 200% stronger immune system than those who do not. 

*David S. Sobel, MD, MPH, The Healing Brain, A Scientific Reader, Edited by Robert Ornstewin, PhD and Charles Swencionis, PhD The Gilford Press, New York, 1990

 

Can Chiropractic Adjustments Help My Golf Game?

  Have you ever noticed that the most famous and well known golfing professionals have their own    chiropractor who accompanies them when they go on tour? Surely, you might say, this is a bit of  overkill as they would be fit anyway. Not quite so!

  The art of being a top golfer includes correct alignment of the pelvis, shoulders and neck in order to achieve the magic swing that takes them to the pinnacle of their class. The swing of the golfer is actually pelvic rotation which involves the lumbar spine, the sacrum and most importantly the sacroiliac joint. Just read old Ben Hogan's book written years ago – some things don't change.

  In particular the sacroiliac joint can become subluxated or fixated so that the sensitive cartilage between the sacrum and hip bone or ilium becomes inflamed and painful. If this happens, then the golfer has no chance at all of performing to the best of his or her ability.

  The shoulders also swing around when the golfer rotates the pelvis, one shoulder rotating backwards with the hip and the other shoulder rotating forward in the opposite direction. At the same time the shoulder blades or scapulae move also, and the head turns, placing pressure on the neck or cervical spine.
 
Are you starting to get the idea that maybe the chiropractor who goes on tour with the top golfer is not such a bad idea? There are many things that can affect the game of golf and all of them need to be looked at carefully and adjusted where needed.

 

 

  Unprecedented TV Exposure for Chiropractic

"The Doctors," "Dr. Oz Show" latest to feature chiropractic  By Peter W. Crownfield, Executive Editor

Excerpts from Dynamic Chiropractic, May 20, 2012.  Vol. 30, Issue 11

If the chiropractic profession ever wanted an endorsement of the "treat the cause, not the symptoms" approach to health and wellness, it certainly got one – from the medical community, no less, and seen by millions of consumers on March 29, 2012 when "The Doctors" filmed at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, Calif.

The episode's theme, "That pain may not be what you think," featured multiple segments emphasizing that what goes on in one part of the body can affect other parts of the body, and that pain in one area may actually be caused by a problem somewhere else. The episode will aired on Monday, April 23, 2012.  In addition to great sound bites in that regard from several of the show's MD hosts, the episode featured another television appearance by Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, president of Parker University. Dr. Mancini, who appeared on the March 14 episode of "Dr. Phil" in a segment discussing chiropractic care and his new book, The Power of Self-Healing, took a different approach with "The Doctors," videotaping a patient exam and then appearing on-stage with the patient to discuss chiropractic treatment and the patient's progress.

Dr. Mancini "The Doctors" episode featuring Dr. Mancini aired April 23, only weeks after his appearance on "Dr. Phil." The video outlined how the female patient went to see Dr. Mancini, complaining of low back pain as her primary symptom. Dr. Mancini evaluated her using multiple assessment methods / devices, finding problems in her pelvis, low back, upper back and neck. In addition, he noted that the patient was "putting 50 percent more weight on one foot" compared to the other. Dr. Mancini then was shown adjusting the patient.  As the video concluded, Dr. Mancini and the patient came out on stage to talk to the show's lead host, Travis Stork, MD. Dr. Mancini said what makes chiropractic unique is that DCs "look for the cause of the problem, not just management of the symptoms," and outlined how his patient was likely suffering from various stresses contributing to her symptoms. For example, the woman had a busy travel schedule and had suffered a prior accident (physical stress); her diet included too much sugar, which Dr. Mancini said stresses the nervous system and causes inflammation (chemical stress); and the stress of starting a new business was causing tension in her spine (emotional stress). Dr. Stork echoed Dr. Mancini's point, telling viewers that stress can reflect itself in different areas of pain.  Dr. Mancini also shared that "the body communicates through the nervous system." As he spoke, images appeared on the screen behind him, showing the spine and suggesting its ability to communicate with the entire body. Dr. Mancini also mentioned that many chiropractors perform adjustments using hand-held manual devices.  The patient herself may have made the most impact on audience members & viewers when Dr. Stork asked her how she was doing. Her enthusiastic response: "I have never felt so good ... I feel like I am a new person and I can't wait to see what will happen going forward."

Dr. Jensen appreciated the episode's value in sharing the chiropractic message, he also said, "Sadly, the public does not understand chiropractic much beyond pain relief; hopefully we can continue to explain the neurology of why chiropractic works." With appearances on "Dr. Phil," "The Doctors" and "Dr. Oz" (see below) in the past several months, all of which have promoted not only chiropractic itself, but also the whole-body philosophy of health and wellness, DCs are in an ideal position to help more people understand -– and benefit from – chiropractic care.

On March 14, the same day the "Dr. Phil" episode featuring Dr. Mancini aired, another chiropractor made an appearance on daytime television: Dr. Steven Shoshany. For the second time, Dr. Shoshany stopped by "The Dr. Oz Show" to discuss chiropractic and even adjusted a patient live in-studio.

In contrast to "Dr. Phil" and "The Doctors," host Dr. Mehmet Oz introduced chiropractic in a segment on "controversial back pain treatments." Despite the cautious tone of the segment, as you'll see from the following summary of events, Dr. Shoshany – and the patient he adjusted – did an excellent job informing viewers of the benefits of chiropractic care.

Dr. Oz began the chiropractic portion of the segment this way: "Millions of you swear by it, calling it the most successful way to treat your back pain. Yet chiropractors are dismissed by many in the medical community as alternative, unproven, ineffective, [and] little more than a placebo. Yet nearly 60 percent of people suffering from back pain claim they get badly needed relief from chiropractic treatments. Could this hands-on approach to your back pain be better than surgery or steroids?"

Dr. Oz then introduced a woman suffering from chronic back pain of 1 1/12 years' duration. According to the woman, she had previously gone to a DC for neck pain (which she says helped), and was now considering trying chiropractic again for her back pain. Dr. Oz told her that despite the "controversy" regarding its effectiveness, he thought "it might be worth giving a shot to a chiropractor" and then introduced Dr. Shoshany.

Dr. Oz asked Dr. Shoshany why chiropractic is different from painkillers; he explained that they "don't address the cause of the systemic problem; they cover it up and mask the symptoms. Chiropractic gets to the root cause of the problem. We're dealing with spinal balance; when joints become restricted, nerves become irritated, and it can interfere with the body's ability to heal itself. ... When we adjust the spine, the body can work better."

Dr. Oz asked the woman, "Would you like to give it a shot?" She agreed and lay face-down on an adjusting table in the center of the stage. Dr. Shoshany explained that prior examination had revealed mid-thoracic restrictions and that he would adjust that area of the spine.

As the woman was adjusted, Dr. Oz gasped, "Oh my goodness. Did you hear that?", in response to the audible sound of the adjustment.  Dr. Shoshany was quick to state: "It's really safe, really effective," and then proceeded to adjust her a second time, this time eliciting a louder popping sound. Dr. Oz repeated his initial reaction, and this time the audience gave a collective groan. Dr. Shoshany said, "It's as easy as that" as Dr. Oz asked the woman if she was alright; to which she immediately replied, "It feels really good, actually."

Following the adjustments, Dr. Oz asked Dr. Shoshany what tips he offers patients for avoiding back pain; Dr. Shoshany suggested core strengthening, stretching, adequate hydration, and movement (avoiding sitting for long periods of time, which he said "puts a lot of pressure on your back"). Dr. Oz emphasized that keeping strong posture throughout the day is important.

Women's Wellness

Statistics show that women usually live longer than men. Being prepared to age gracefully, healthfully and successfully has never been more important than now.  Every day we are faced with choices that contribute to our quality of life both now and in the future.  One of the most important steps you can take to begin to live longer and stronger is to. . .

1.  Mark Your Calendar so you won’t forget mammograms, chiropractic visits, & other preventive exams.

2.  Make Time for Regular Exercise   Of the 10 million Americans estimated to have osteoporosis, eight million are women.  Physical activity, especially weight-bearing exercise, directly stimulates bone building cells.  Staying active also maintains muscle tone required for balance and mobility.  Even moderate exercise done regularly can substantially reduce your chances of heart disease and cancer, and help keep your bones strong.

3.  Make Your Self-Care a Priority    Today, women are busier than ever. Demands are placed on them from every direction. More women are working and raising families, a dual role that invites incredible stress. These overbooked schedules tempt women to set aside self-care to handle other priorities such as families, careers, relatives, and communities. The lesson is simple. You can’t take care of others unless you take care of yourself first, at least in matters of health. Schedule regular chiropractic visits to ensure a healthy nerve system and structural alignment. Make time for massages, take hot baths (with the door locked and the phone turned off), and consider a vacation getaway with only yourself. Make time to be healthy. Taking care of yourself will ensure that you will be strong enough to take care of others.

4.  Eat in Color  Naturally colorful foods are higher in antioxidants and other essential vitamins and minerals that help prevent heart disease, cancer, and other diseases caused by lifestyle factors.  Eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and low fat foods along with a moderate exercise schedule will help you maintain your weight and keep your mind and your muscles strong.

5.  You are Sweet Enough!  According to a US study, soda pop drinkers are two times more likely to develop kidney disease, diabetes and obesity. High fructose corn syrup, the main ingredient in soft drinks, increases your triglyceride level and your LDL’s (bad cholesterol).   Aspartame (artificial sweetener used in diet drinks & foods) is toxic to the nervous system and should be eliminated from your diet.  The good news is that this is an easy habit to break!  Replacing soda with water will not only prolong your life, but help your body detoxify itself along the way.

It’s never too late, or too early to start making self-care and health-care choices that will ensure that each day will be your best, and encourage your family to do the same. You deserve it!

Help for Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused by pinching of the median nerve inside the carpal tunnel in the wrist resulting numbness, tingling, and sometimes pain into the hand affecting the index, 3rd, and thumb-side of the 4th finger. Grip strength weakness may occur (usually later in the process), making dropping of items and fine motor activities, like buttoning shirts, challenging. There are many approaches to the treatment of CTS.  Physicians may recommend surgery, however, alternative treatment approaches should be utilized first because the recovery time is less lengthy and studies show that positive results are greater with alternative approaches vs. surgical intervention.  Grip weakness often occurs post-surgically with approximately a 30% loss of strength. Moreover, the CTS sufferer will lose minimal or no work time when treated with chiropractic approaches, compared to a 2 to 6 week work loss time after surgery, if there are no complications. Bottom line, there are no serious side effects to chiropractic management of CTS so, why wouldn't you try that first since there are potential side effects to the surgical approach?  Here’s what can you expect with chiropractic management of CTS?

The history process includes how the condition started ("mechanism of injury"), the date of onset, activities that make the condition better and worse, the quality of symptoms, the location of symptoms, the severity (0-10 scale usually), and when the condition is worse (such as night time when sleeping).  Frequently in CTS, there are areas in the neck, shoulder, arm as well as the wrist and hand that are present in patients with CTS and successful management of CTS depends on treating ALL areas involved, NOT just the wrist/hand.

The examination of the CTS patient includes observing posture for a forward head position, protracted or rolled forward shoulders, muscle bulk of the arms, and if there is any abnormal spinal curvature or head tilt. The skin is also inspected for lesions, rashes, discoloration, swelling and hair loss. Next is palpation where we determine if there are any subluxations (vertebral and/or extremity joint misalignments) and/or trigger points in muscles including the neck, shoulders, arms and hands. Orthopedic tests are performed where we put the neck, shoulder, arm and hand in various positions to see if the symptoms of CTS change. These tests give us clues as to which tissues are contributing to the CTS symptoms. For example, applying thumb pressure over the carpal tunnel will often reproduce the CTS symptoms of numbness and/or pain into the index, 3rd, and thumb half of the 4th finger. When we find multiple tests that reproduce the CTS symptoms, we will know what areas require treatment as frequently, we will find a significant contribution to the CTS symptoms are coming from the neck, shoulder, and/or forearm, NOT JUST the wrist. This is why, in some cases, patients may not have a satisfying result after CTS surgery.

The treatment the CTS patient may expect at the chiropractic office includes chiropractic adjustment of the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. We will often perform muscle release techniques where pressure is applied into the muscles during stretch as well as friction massage.   Also, we give exercises that are extremely helpful and we frequently discuss job modifications to helps to reduce the repetitive strain that causes and can prolong the condition.

We realize you have a choice in who you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. If you, a friend or family member require care for CTS, we would be honored to render our services. ***

 

What Dan O’Brien, two-time Olympic triathlon winner knows

that you should. . .

Keeping Your Children Healthy and Performing Their Best

During a hectic sports season, many parents find themselves racing about transporting aspiring athletes to soccer, lacrosse, baseball, football, hockey, gymnastics, tennis, etc.  While it’s easy to get caught up in the challenge of a busy schedule, the thrill of the games, your child’s performance or their coach’s shortcomings, it is important to remember the effect sports have on a child’s health.  Playing sports can build character and self-esteem, but can also lead to injuries that, if not treated properly, can last well into adult life.

While nothing can rival the pride we feel as parents when we watch our son or daughter score a winning goal or hit a home run, there is always an equal amount of anxiety we experience over our child’s safety when we watch them body slam another player, slide into home plate or remain lying on the field for a few moments after a tough tackle.  Slight spinal injuries through falls, hits, landing hard or repetitive stress create the joints of the spine to become “stuck”, too loose or misaligned.  When this occurs, if not corrected immediately, these injuries may heal wrong.  When misalignment occurs in the spine, it causes irritation to the spinal nerves, muscle spasm, inflammation and eventually scar tissue will build up in the area of vertebral subluxation (misalignment).  These changes may be subtle and occur without symptoms.  Over time, the problem will often progress to the point that it becomes symptomatic and create spinal degenerative changes.  Because of the involvement of the nervous system, which controls and coordinates every cell, tissue, organ and system of the body, all aspects of health can be affected by spinal subluxations.

So what is it that top athletes like Dan O’Brien, Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, Ladainian Tomlinson and many, many more know that you should know?  They know that to perform their best they need to function at their best.  They receive chiropractic care regularly, not merely for injuries they receive from training, but in order to ensure their structure, muscles and nerve systems are all in alignment and working at top capacity. 

Dan O’Brien, two time Olympic triathlon winner has gone on record saying, “You obvious can’t compete to your fullest if you’re not in alignment.  It was the holistic idea that I liked about Chiropractic.  I really think Chiropractic is essential in running.  If I could put a percentage on it, I think I compete eight to ten percent better from regular Chiropractic use, if not more.  It is essential for me and my training routine.”

If your athlete has never been checked for subluxation, now is the time.  You’ll be giving them their best opportunity to prevent future problems and perform at their highest potential.   ***

Brain Impact:  Concussions

On October 23, 2011, San Diego Chargers offensive guard Kris Dielman suffered a concussion during a football game against the New York Jets.  He landed hard on the ground after a wicked collision with a Jets linebacker, then got up, wobbled and went back to playing the rest of the game, taking several more hits to the head.  Neither the Chargers training staff nor the NFL referees recognized how serious his head injury was as he “waved off” his sideline training staff to return to the huddle.  On the flight home to San Diego after the game, Dielman suffered a “grand mal” seizure and will most likely not play for the rest of the season.

Magnitude of the Problem

Concussions are getting much-needed attention in the press, especially given the short and long-term cognitive loss, early-onset dementia, physical disability and even death resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a degenerative neurologic disease linked to repetitive head trauma and is known as an invisible killer that can make a 35 year-old brain look more like 80 years old.

There are 250,000 concussions annually in football alone.  The prevalence in high school and college athletics is a major concern, especially considering how big, fast and strong high school and college athletes have become.  This “evolution” is exacting a terrible toll regarding TBI in not only football, but also soccer, hockey, wrestling, water polo and cheerleading.

Concussion Basics

What is a concussion?  It can be defined as “a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces” or “an immediate and transient loss of neuronal function secondary to trauma”.  Signs and symptoms include but are not limited to thinking deficits, lack of sustained attention, amnesia, confused mental status, dazed look/vacant stare, slurred or incoherent speech, vomiting, nausea, emotional liability, slow motor or verbal response, memory deficits, poor coordination, dizziness, headache, restlessness, nervous weakness, exhaustion and irritability.

Chiropractors are seeing these types of injuries more and more in athletes that receive chiropractic care.   The use of Doctors of Chiropractic in high school, college, amateur and professional sports is growing rapidly.  Since neurophysiologic maturity is not reached until the mid-20’s, early detection is critical in youth, high school and college athletes.  Evaluations and recommendations are individualized for each patient. By working together with neurologists and physicians, we can help your athlete reach their optimal potential and reduce long term effects of injury.

Reprinted article by Dr. Robert George  January 15, 2012    ***

HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC CARE ENHANCE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM?

Dr. Cheryl Langley

The benefits of chiropractic care for your health are numerous.  Some of the many benefits

include pain relief in your joints, back, or head. Others may include increased mobility, performance, balance, coordination or energy.   Families that participate in Wellness Chiropractic care know the benefits by experiencing fewer colds, flu, sinus and ear infections, and other bacterial and viral infections.  Why?
     We were born with the power of an Innate (inborn) Intelligence within our own bodies enabling your body to heal itself. It is not normal or healthy to have chronic pain or even the occasional cold or headache.

     How Does Chiropractic Care Enhance Your Immune System?

Since its inception, chiropractic has asserted that viruses and microbes don't threaten us all equally and that a healthy immune system easily repels most invaders.  We call it our “resistance”.  It’s either strong or weak.  The weaker your resistance, the more susceptible you become to invading microorganisms.  Your immune system protects you from the flu, as well as any other infectious disease, and strives to get us well again when we do fall ill. Our immune system, like every other system in the body, is coordinated and controlled by the nervous system. For example, nerve cell endings in the skin and white blood cells of the immune system are in intimate contact, and chemicals secreted by the nerves can shut down immune system cells nearby.
     Chiropractic adjustments remove spinal abnormalities called vertebral subluxations that result in interference of the Nervous System by placing pressure on nerves. Since the Nervous System controls all functions of the body, including the Immune System, chiropractic care has a very positive effect on immune function.
     During an immune response, the brain and the Immune System 'talk to each other' and this process is essential for maintaining homeostasis or balance in the body. If the Nervous System is not functioning properly, then the Immune System cannot function at 100%, thus the resistance to invaders becomes weak, and the body becomes fertile ground for bacteria, viruses and illness.
     Children who have regular Chiropractic adjustments have fewer colds, ear infections and flu. "People who receive regular chiropractic adjustments have Immune System competency that is 200% greater than those who don't." (Dr. Ron Pero. New York Preventative Medicine Institute and Environmental Health at NYU)
     Even though you are not “sick”, daily physical, chemical and mental stress can cause pressure and interference to your Nervous System.  Misalignments of the spine (subluxations) that are interfering with your nervous system in turn weaken your immune system. Regular chiropractic check-ups can help you to maintain a healthy immune system and stave off illnesses or allergies. A chiropractic adjustment will restore the balance of your nervous system and restore the flow of energy and information throughout the body.   ***

Chiropractic and Ear Infections

Next to the common cold, ear infections are the most commonly diagnosed childhood illness in the United States. More than three out of four children have had at least one ear infection by the time they're three.
For years, parents have depended on an antibiotic to cure the pain. But now doctors are warning about the overuse of antibiotics. In some cases they are advising parents to take a wait-and-see approach to find out if the infection clears on its own.
Now some parents are trying to stop the infections before they start. How?
     They are taking their kids to see chiropractors who specialize in children.
Dr. Cheryl Langley is one of those doctors. "Chiropractic care is simply the art and science of aligning the spine to take pressure off the nerve and ultimately allow the body to heal itself," she explained.  

     S.L. says her son suffered from chronic ear infections and traditional treatments did little to ease his suffering. "We were up all night, he was miserable, cranky," she said, remembering the long, sleepless nights. "He was on antibiotics all winter and it just wasn't helping. It would go away and come back, go away and come back," she said. Feeling frustrated and helpless she went to a chiropractor. "I'll be honest, I was a little skeptical, nervous about a chiropractor adjusting my baby," she said. But after only one treatment he started feeling better.
     Dr. Langley says adjusting the child's spine helps prevent fluid from building up in his ears. "Adjusting a child is a specialized procedure that is nothing like an adult adjustment.  There is no popping or twisting, just a gentle specific adjustment that allows for those ear canals to open up and the ears will drain, preventing any ear infection," she explained.
     There are some pediatricians who are skeptical about chiropractic care. Others think it may be worth a try. Pediatrician Linda Nelson said there's a lot about the body doctors just don't understand. "I'm very open to anything that's benign," she said. "And it's certainly isn't going to hurt the child."
     S.L. says it's worked for her children. "This will be their third winter, no antibiotics, no Tylenol, no Motrin. They're clean. I just feel like they're healthier," she said.  ***

 

Winter Blues & Vitamin D Connection                                                        

Many people report feeling blue during the dark, cold winter months.  Studies are indicating that people affected by seasonal depression can be due to inadequate amounts of vitamin D.  Once linked to only bone disease, vitamin D is now recognized as a major player in overall health.  Vitamin D really isn’t a vitamin at all, but a potent neuro-regulatory steroidal hormone.  It has become clear that vitamin D deficiency is a growing epidemic and is contributing to many chronic debilitating diseases.  In the United States, the winter months can create serious vitamin D deficiencies in many people.  According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vitamin D is identified as a vital contributor to good health in the adaptive and innate immune systems, the secretion and regulation of insulin, heart and blood pressure regulation, muscle strength and brain activity.

So how do I optimize my vitamin D levels?

Your body cannot produce vitamin D on its own.  The single best way is to expose an appropriate amount of skin in a safe manner to sunshine.  You need exposure to UV rays to stimulate the production of vitamin D in your body.  Sunshine converts cholesterol in your skin to vitamin D.  You can get up to 20,000 units with the appropriate amount of exposure per day.  But many of us do not get the appropriate amount of sun exposure, especially during the winter months.  It’s a tragedy that dermatologists and sunscreen manufacturers have scared the pants off of people about getting sun exposure.  Their widely dispersed message to avoid the sun as much as possible, combined with an overall cultural trend of spending more time indoors during work and leisure time, has greatly contributed to the widespread vitamin D deficiency seen today.  A second option, if you cannot get sun exposure daily, is to take a high-quality vitamin D supplement.  The most important thing to keep in mind if you opt for oral supplementation is that you only want to supplement with natural vitamin D3, cholecalciferol, which is human vitamin D.  It is recommended to NOT use the synthetic vitamin D2 for its inferior qualities. As stated by the Vitamin D Council, both for children and adults should have a vitamin D level of 50 ng/ml all year round.  During winter months, your vitamin D level can drop as much as 50%. 

How do you know if you are getting the right amount of vitamin D?

You need to have your blood levels tested.  Though it may seem like a hassle to go out and get a blood test done, and then continue to have your levels monitored as you increase your sun exposure or supplementation, it is one of the most important things you can do for your health.

What else can we do to prevent the “Winter Blues”?

Simple lifestyle changes can keep your brain in optimal working order well into the winter months. 

·         Include PLENTY of vegetables in your diet

·         Include wild blueberries and other brightly colored fruits that are high in antioxidants

·         Avoid sugar

·         Get outside

·         Take brisk walks

·         Challenge your mind daily.  Mental stimulation is associated with a decrease in depression.

·         Get regular Chiropractic adjustments.  Nobel Prize winner for brain research, Dr. Roger Sperry, discovered that the more misalignments in the spine, the less energy was available for thinking, healing and metabolizing.

·         90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by movement of the spine.  Vertebral Subluxations restrict spinal movement and interfere with the function of the nerves.

 

Why Chiropractic for Children?

Children are as susceptible to trauma in their spines from various activities and events. These microtraumas can subluxate the vertebrae of the spine, placing pressure on their spinal nerves and therefore decreasing their bodies’ ability to function normally. Although symptoms, such as pain and malfunction may not show up for years, injury to their vital nervous system can have a lifetime of damaging effects.

When?Children should be checked right after birth because of the potential damaging effects of the birth process. Even the most natural births are somewhat traumatic to the infant and may have “hidden damage.” Studies show that many children who experience symptoms of colic, ear infections and asthma have spinal subluxations impairing their nervous system function. Early detection and correction can prevent layers of damage from occurring in the child's vital nervous system. Accumulated damage will have lifelong consequences.

Does it Hurt?

Chiropractors specializing in children use very specific, gentle techniques to care for children. On the very young, the adjustment is as light as a finger touch. Doctors of Chiropractic who are members of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association have taken postgraduate classes on specific techniques for pregnant mothers, infants and children to enhance their skills in this field.

How?  Dr. Cheryl Langley offers complimentary consultations, giving parents the opportunity to meet her, find out about chiropractic for their families and discuss their individual needs.

 

Excessive Pronation and Knee Injuries

Some active people – especially competitive, but even recreational athletes – suffer traumatic damage to the ligaments of the knees.  Such injuries can have a negative impact on athletic performance, occasionally ending participation in a favorite sports activity.  Excessive foot pronation has been found to be an underlying cause of some knee ligament injuries, and is a contributing factor in many.  Poor healing and recurrent knee injury can often be traced to biomechanical problems, including hyperpronation.  Both treatment and prevention of knee injuries should include evaluation of the foot and ankle for excessive pronation.  So, how do foot problems cause knee injuries?

 

Knee Biomechanics

Because the knee is a hinge joint, it moves primarily in one plane.  When excessive pronation at the foot and ankle is present, rotation of the lower leg occurs and results in knee symptoms.

The forces transmitted from the foot to the knee during heel strike are high.  We now know that landing at foot strike with the knee extended and internally rotating the tibia (lower leg) in relation to the femur (thigh), is by far the most commonly described incident resulting in tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).  A rapid change in direction while running can produce such an episode.

This is especially true in sports that require the use of shoe spikes, which fix the foot to the ground (football, lacrosse, soccer, etc).  A recent study found that 81% of athletes with injury to the ACL recalled the moment of injury as having their lower leg internally rotated combined with a sudden change of direction at foot strike.  In fact, the vast majority of acute tears to the ACL occur without any contact or direct trauma to the knee.

. Preventive Care for the Knees

There are many benefits to fitting athletes with custom-made orthotics to decrease excessive pronation.  The use of corrective orthotics can prevent overuse problems from developing due to patellar tracking problems, and knee injuries may be avoided. Call today to schedule your evaluation to see if orthotics can help you!      770-973-0150

 

Parkinson's Improved in 77-Year-Old Man With Chiropractic - A Case Study

A case study appeared in the August 1, 2011 issue of the scientific periodical, the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, documenting the improvement through chiropractic, of a 77-year-old man with Parkinson’s Disease.

The authors of the study begin by noting that Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the central nervous system. People with Parkinson’s often experience tremors in extremities, impaired co-ordination, rigidity in movement, postural instability, and impaired imbalance and coordination. They also note that Parkinson’s disease afflicts an estimated 1 million people across the United States with 50,000 new cases being diagnosed each year.

This case involved a 77-year-old retired shipyard worker who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s several years earlier. His history recorded that, in his prior occupation, he was exposed to asbestos as well as neck trauma. As a young man, he was knocked unconscious from head contact while playing football. Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, he had been taking several medications for the condition. His condition had been worsening and was interfering with his ability to perform daily activities.

His examination revealed a restricted range of spinal motion as well as numerous positive findings in the neurological tests performed. Thermal heat reading showed irregularities indicative of spinal subluxation. Spinal x-rays were also performed to check spinal positioning and confirm the presence of subluxations. From these tests, a determination of subluxations was made and a specific course of chiropractic care was initiated.

Regular re-evaluations were performed during care to monitor the progress. Of the initial 29 neurological tests performed, over half of those that originally had positive findings were found to be normal during the chiropractic care. More importantly, the patient reported that he experienced an increase in ease when performing daily tasks such as moving from a seated to standing position, as well as keeping his head up to look at people while walking.

 

Chiropractic Improves Brain Function
In Touch Education Services


The sixteenth annual upper cervical conference was held at LifeUniversity in Marietta, Georgia in November 1999. A study presented at the conference found that patients under chiropractic care experienced a measurable increase in brain function.

Microcog is a computer administered and scored test that serves as a diagnostic tool to determine cognitive (brain) function. It measures activity in nine categories: attention/mental control, memory, reasoning/calculation, spatial processing, reaction time, information processing speed, information processing accuracy, general cognitive functioning and general cognitive proficiency.

A total of 40 patients had their brain function measured by Microcog. 30 of these patients received upper cervical (neck) chiropractic adjustments and 10 served as a control group receiving no adjustments. Four weeks later, all 40 patients were tested by the Microcog system again.

According to the study, "significant improvements were observed in neurocognitive [brain] function in the group receiving upper cervical care". The control group did not demonstrate a similar trend. This study suggests that upper cervical chiropractic care may positively affect neurocognitive function."

    The World Health Organization defines "health" as 100% physical, mental and social well-being. A nervous system free of interference is vital to the full expression of all these aspects of your health potential. Chiropractic works to restore health by removing interference to your nervous system.

 

2011 Georgia Games Athletes Get Chiropractic Care

Dr. Cheryl Langley and Dr. David Espinoza were the exclusive chiropractors invited to provide chiropractic care to the athletes at The Georgia Games, located at Marietta High School in Cobb County.  The event, held on July 16-17, 2011 hosted hundreds of athletes from across the nation to compete in Track and Field.

“The athletes loved having access to the Chiropractors during the event,” stated Edmund Lucas, Director of the Georgia Games.

Professional athletes worldwide acknowledge the benefits of having chiropractic adjustments to enhance their performance and reduce the incidence of injury. Vertebral subluxation (spinal misalignments) put undue pressure on the spinal nerves and create an unbalanced skeletal structure, which can lead to injury.  Pressure on the spinal nerves can also reduce reaction time.  “When it comes to competing in a race, competitors know that a tenth of a second can make all the difference,” states Dr. Cheryl Langley.  Receiving chiropractic care during pre-season conditioning, as well as during the competitive season helps athletes stay injury free, and can address issues when they begin, before they turn into bigger injuries down the road.

Whether you are a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, chiropractic care can give you the winning edge and help you achieve better results and stay at the top of your game!

Celebrate Fathers Day and Give Dad a Longer Life                                 Dr. Cheryl Langley

Grandfather, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, Friend . . . we are celebrating the men that make a difference in our lives this month!  As we think of how to show them how much they mean to us, think beyond the ties, golf balls and cigars and giving them something that will help them live longer! 

We're talking about men's health. Even though men are living a lot longer than they used to, there’s still work to do when it comes to their health.   Several things work against men.  They tend to smoke and drink more often.  They don't seek healthcare as often as women. Some men define themselves by their work, which can add to stress.   

A survey of 1,100 men by the American Academy of Family Physicians found that while most men eventually seek healthcare attention when they are ailing, but a whopping 92 percent wait to see "if it'll go away".    "Men aren't expected to listen to their bodies," says Salvatore Giorgianni, advisor to the Men's Health Network national organization.  The “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach is not only dangerous, it is unfortunately what turned the Greatest Generation into the nursing home generation.  We are getting the advance notice that our parents and grandparents didn’t have.  The question is. . . what will you do with this information?

Here are some essential guidelines to share to ensure your Dad (or the men in your life) remain healthy and fit for life:

1. EAT A BALANCED DIET LOW IN FAT AND HIGH IN FIBER.  Eating a healthy diet low in fat and at high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts lowers risk of heart disease and stroke, cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis.  Not only are the vitamins and minerals necessary for good health, but the fiber contained in whole foods keeps your digestive and elimination system working at it’s best.  Fiber-rich diets have also been found to be helpful in lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and obesity.  Forego the fast-food burger and instead opt for a healthy meal of lean protein and vegetables.

2. GET 30 MINUTES OF MODERATE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY at least 3 DAYS OF THE WEEK.  As we age, we lose muscle mass.  Moderate physical activity on most days of the week reduces the risk of heart disease, colon cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. It can also help dads maintain a healthy body weight, joint strength and mobility.  Try implementing a program of 3 days of strength training and 3 alternate days of moderate cardio activity.

3. TAKE DAILY ESSENTIAL SUPPLEMENTS.  A good quality multivitamin will help you ward off free-radicals that cause cell damage and aging.  Remember that the recommended dietary allowances are just the amounts that keep us from having different diseases, and not necessarily the amount for overall well-being.  In addition, a high-grade Omega-3 (Fish Oil) supplement has strong anti-inflammatory effects and helps prevent cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and some cancers.

4. GET REGULAR CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS. Daily stress and strain can lead to misalignments in your spine and interference to your brains ability to communicate mental impulses through your nervous system.  Repetitive micro-traumas, sports injuries, sitting at your computer long hours, can lead to spinal and disc degeneration, osteoarthritis, and chronic health issues.  Regular chiropractic adjustments will not only correct imbalances and remove pressure from the nerve system, but can keep the stressors of life from interfering with your ability to stay strong and healthy throughout life. 

5. GET A PHYSICAL EXAM AND IMPORTANT SCREENINGS.Dads age 50 and older should make an appointment to be screened for prostate and colorectal cancer. Regular cancer screening at age 50 and after can enable early treatment, when it can be most effective.

Although prostate cancer affects hundreds of thousands of men each year in the US, it is a relatively slow-growing cancer and is easy to control if caught early enough.  One of the most important ways to treat prostate cancer is to add a quality source of Omega-3’s to your diet.  The ideal source is EPA DHA for cancer prevention.

6.  DON'T ABUSE ALCOHOL.Alcohol abuse causes 100,000 premature deaths in the U.S. every year. Alcohol is a powerful drug that slows down the body and mind. It impairs coordination, slows reaction time, and impairs vision, clear thinking and judgment. Drink responsibly. Above all, do not drink and drive.

7. DO NOT USE TOBACCO.Avoiding tobacco of all kinds dramatically reduces a man's risk of premature death and disability from heart disease and stroke, chronic lung disease, and cancers of the lung, larynx, esophagus, mouth and bladder.

8. SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.Play and recreation are important for good health. Look for opportunities to be active and have fun at the same time. Plan family outings and vacations that include physical activity (hiking, backpacking, swimming, etc.). Most of all, remind Dad you love to spend time with him.

 

CHILDREN, ADD/ADHD AND CHIROPRACTIC

Controversy surrounds the medical treatment, indeed the very existence, of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Psychiatrist Peter Breggin wrote, "Hyperactivity is the most frequent justification for drugging children. The difficult-to-control male child is certainly not a new phenomenon, but attempts to give him a medical diagnosis are the product of modern psychology and psychiatry. At first psychiatrists called hyperactivity a brain disease. When no brain disease could be found, they changed it to 'minimal brain disease' (MBD). When no minimal brain disease could be found the profession transformed the concept into 'minimal brain dysfunction.' When no minimal brain dysfunction could be demonstrated, the label became attention deficit disorder. Now it's just assumed to be a real disease, regardless of the failure to prove it so. Biochemical imbalance is the code word, but there's no more evidence for that than there is for actual brain disease."

The use of psychotropic drugs in children has exploded in recent years. The number of prescriptions written for methylphenidate (Ritalin) has increased by a factor of five since 1991. The production of Adderall and Dexedrine, also used to treat ADHD, has risen 2,000% in nine years. The increased use of these drugs in the U.S. is at variance with the rest of the world. According to the U.N., the U.S. produces and consumes 85% of the world's production of Ritalin.

The use of Class II controlled substances to alter the behavior of children is disconcerting to many parents and chiropractors, as is the issue of whether ADD/ADHD can be properly considered a disease.

While chiropractors do not "treat" ADD/ADHD, the effects of chiropractic care on children diagnosed with learning disorders and hyperactivity have been described in a growing body of scholarly publications.

A study published in 1975, compared chiropractic care with drug treatment in children with learning and behavioral impairments due to neurological dysfunction. It was reported that chiropractic care "was more effective for the wide range of symptoms common in the neurological dysfunction syndrome in which thirteen symptom or problem areas were considered."

The author also reported that chiropractic care was 24% more effective than commonly used medications.

Giesen at al conducted a study involving seven subjects. All subjects were of school age and had clinical findings evidencing vertebral subluxation complex. Following chiropractic care, 57% showed an improvement in chiropractic radiographic findings; 71.4% showed a reduction in overt behavior activity; 57% showed improvement in level of autonomic activity, and 57% showed improved parental ratings of hyperactivity.

In addition to these small studies, case reports have been published which describe improvement of objective and subjective findings in children with ADD/ADHD and related disorders.

More research exploring the relationship of subluxation correction to brain function is occuring. Yet, the dramatic changes that have been reported in children medically diagnosed with ADD/ADHD following chiropractic care must not be ignored.

Every child with a vertebral subluxation needs chiropractic care, regardless of whether or not symptoms are present. By correcting nerve interference, function is improved, with greater expression of human potential. Many report terminating drug therapy, and seeing the personality, will, and soul of the child unfolding.

"It is easy to substitute our will for that of the child by means of suggestion or coercion; but when we have done this we have robbed him of his greatest right, the right to construct his own personality."  ~ Maria Montessori

 

Disc Degeneration Rises in Adolescents                                        

Most everyone has observed their grandparents’ bent over spines and poor posture with a shudder. They may have worked for many decades to achieve a comfortable lifestyle but now are unable to enjoy it due to poor health. These setbacks are more than irritating; they can be literally debilitating.

Fortunately, most of these health challenges are preventable, especially as they relate to the spine and nervous system. Poor posture, spinal degeneration and the health problems that come from these conditions don’t happen overnight or even over a few years. They gradually take place over a lifetime. Poor health habits and years of neglect cause our entire bodies to suffer a wide range of effects that lead to deteriorating health down the road.

Researchers have discovered new data through MRI technology that indicates nearly 10 percent of children show signs of disc degeneration before reaching puberty.Disc degeneration is a condition in which a damaged spinal disc wears down unevenly causing pressure on nerves. This pressure may not cause immediate pain or health problems, however, it may limit your life as you age.

How does this happen to children so early in life? Think about how many times a day a child who is learning to walk falls on their bottom. Have you ever cringed watching your child get hit while playing a contact sport? How many of these physical traumas do you think your child experiences by the time they are 18?  They are too numerous to count, aren’t they?

Waiting until the degeneration sets in to take corrective and preventive action is like waiting for your teeth to rot before visiting a dentist. Millions of educated parents bring their children for regular chiropractic checkups to ensure that their spines are growing healthy, without pressure on the nerves.

Not only is the care good for them, but young athletes and children enjoy their chiropractic experience because it…

·   Feels good to get adjusted; it is gentle and safe

·   Can improve their posture and athletic performance

·   Maximizes their bodies’ ability to heal itself and be healthy naturally, which results in less sick days from school and extracurricular activities

·   Reduces their need for drugs or surgical procedures

·   Improves posture and ensures that the bones grow with proper alignment and balance during their growth spurt

·   Improves reaction time for young athletes

 

Early detection, corrective and wellness care during childhood is the key to a healthy spine throughout life. Researchers are realizing that the need for this care is more important than they originally thought.

By now you’ve probably had your children’s teeth checked and taken them to read the eye chart many times. Be sure to take them to your chiropractor for a spinal and nerve system examination. It is the lifeline of their body.

 

Going Green Inside and Out

As spring approaches, it seems that everything in our world starts to turn green.  The grass, the trees and the plants all begin to come out of hibernation and start a new growth phase.  We open our windows, bring in the fresh air, and think about coming out of our own winter hibernation and doing some “spring cleaning”.  This is also a great time to think about cleansing your body and “going green” on the inside.  So what does “Going Green” mean?  It means eliminating toxins and chemicals in your internal and external environment.  Cleansing, or detoxifying your bodily systems can help you feel better, rev up your engines, have more energy, and live longer. 

Why is detoxification necessary?

Your body has a natural detoxification system that consists of your liver, kidneys and lungs.  Toxins in this modern world can accumulate more than your body can get rid of. Chemicals from pesticides, chlorine bleach, ammonia, heavy metals and carbon monoxide build up over time and cause disease.  With the advent of pollution awareness several decades ago, most people now know about the toxins that are present in our atmosphere, water, and even our homes.  But what you may not realize is that toxins can be found in abundance in our present-day food supply.  Fruits and vegetables aren’t the only foods becoming toxic from these chemicals.  Livestock, foul and farmed fish are given color- enhancers, steroids, antibiotics and hormones.  And all of this goes into OUR bodies as we eat these foods.

The toll it takes on our bodiesis significant. Over the last 30 to 40 years, we have seen an alarming rise in cancer and auto-immune related diseases.  Many health experts believe that this dramatic rise is directly related to the chemical poisons we are breathing, eating and drinking every day.  Constipation, inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome and skin conditions are just a few of the conditions that can be caused by toxins remaining in your body too long. When our bodies become so over-burdened with eliminating these substances, it can lead to chronic illness and even life-threatening diseases. That’s the bad news. 

The good newsis that there are easy and safe ways for you to detoxify your body and remove stored-up toxins. A multi-faceted approach that includes exercise, fresh air, clean water, a healthy diet and a healthy nerve system can help you detoxify your body and clean up your internal environment.  Why a healthy nerve supply?  Your nerve system controls and coordinates the function of your elimination organs and systems.  When there is interference to these nerves, it can slow down your body’s ability to get rid of these toxins and allow them to remain in your body.

Here are some tips to get you started on your journey:

·         Eat foods that are natural, unprocessed and certified organic

·         Eat at least one-third of your food raw

·         Be sure you are getting vital minerals and nutrients

·         Exercise to break a sweat

·         Drink purified water

·         Get wellness chiropractic adjustments

 

Dramatic Effect of Omega-3’s on Learning and Development

            Dr. Cheryl Langley   Langley Family Chiropractic, PC

Children’s diets today may be inadequate for their basic needs.  According to a study, children are suffering behavioral and learning disorders because their diets are deficient in vital nutrients needed for their brains to function normally. 

One such vital nutrient: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils.

The study revealed some 40 percent of children showed significant improvements in reading and spelling when given fish oil supplements.  (Fish oils contain omega-3s that are essential for brain development and function but are lacking in modern processed diets.)

The Study

Researchers studied close to 120 British children (ages 5-12) who were judged to be normal but were labeled underachievers and believed to have dyspraxia— a condition that encompasses problems with motor skills and coordination that frequently overlaps with dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.

Half of the children analyzed were given fish oil supplements over three months, while the other half were given placebos of olive oil.  After three months, the placebo group was also given the supplements.

The Results

·         Children who took fish oil supplements made about three times the amount of progress in their reading skills than those who took the placebo.

·         Similar boosts in progress were seen in the placebo group when they switched to active supplements.

Further, while none of the kids involved in the study had been diagnosed with ADHD, one-third of them demonstrated enough problems to place them in this category.  However, after three months of taking fish oil, half of them showed such significant improvements that they no longer fell into this category.

Pediatrics May 2005, Vol. 115, No. 5: 1360-1366;  Guardian.co.uk May 2, 2005

Ask Us About Metagenics EPA-DHA Complex™ for your family. The highest quality best source of marine lipids available.

 

Book With Us

Request Your Appointment Today! Use Office Hours Listed Below

Our Location

4799 Olde Towne Pkwy, STE 100 Marietta, GA, 30068

Office Hours

Find Out When We Are Open

Monday:

8:30 am-6:30 pm

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

8:30 am-6:30 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

8:30 am-6:30 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed