Omaha Nebraska Part III

Omaha Nebraska Part II

Omaha Nebraska Part I

How To Store Vitamins?

This is a very common question I hear from my patients, and could be the difference in having fresh vitamins or not.

I like to store my vitamins in a cool, dry place. Please make sure the cap is on tightly. Keep your vitamins out of the medicine cabinet. If in doubt, read the label or contact the vitamin company for further instructions.

Prostate Health Bulletin

An enlarged prostate gland in males can put pressure on the urethra. This in turn reduces your ability to urinate. (Not a fun situation!)

Believe it or not the French have been using an extract of berries called “Saw Palmetto” to help alleviate this condition. They have seen results in prostate health for nearly a 100 years using saw palmetto. Now if we could only get them to pay back their war debts? This berry has been out performing the prescription drug “Proscar” in reducing the destruction of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Guys this means you will not have to get up so many times during the night to relieve yourself!

Saw palmetto is available in most health food stores. Ask your M.D. if this might be a viable solution to your prostate dysfunction.

Licorice For Stomach Ulcers

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice called (DGL) for short is a natural way to treat stomach ulcers. Prescription drugs Zantac or Tagamet work by decreasing stomach acid. This interferes with digestion, and formation of stomach cells.

DGL strengthens the stomach lining, and increases its defenses against acid. This is actually a smart way to do things! DGL also strengthens the immune system!!

In one major study DGL was superior when compared to antacids and tagamet.

If you are currently using prescription meds for stomach ulcers, ask your Dr. about substituting DGL. DGL can be purchased at most health food stores. Chewing one or two tablets 20-30 minutes before meals will give optimal benefits.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort has been used as an herbal supplement for depression for many years. This herb has been used in numerous double-blind controlled studies, and also compared to prescription antidepressants. In these studies it was concluded that St. John’s Wort improved depression, sadness, anxiety and insomnia.

St. John’s Wort improves the flow of a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is a mood elevator, and helps balance brain chemistry, in a gentle fashion without the side effects of drugs.

St. John’s Wort can be purchased at most health food stores. Follow the recommended dosages listed on the bottle.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo is a very popular supplement in Europe. Several million prescriptions are written every year. In the U.S. it can be bought over the counter. Ginkgo is used to increase blood flow, and inhibit the build up of platelets.

Ginkgo biloba has shown to be of value by increasing blood flow to the brain. This is often an age related condition. Many case studies have shown an improvement of memory with the use of ginkgo biloba. 

Potassium For Heart Health

Potassium is a main factor in keeping blood pressure at the correct level for maximum cardiovascular benefits.

Potassium must be in balance with sodium for proper water balance in the body. It is more effective when taken with magnesium.

Heartbeat irregularities are a sign of potassium deficiency. Other signs are loss of appetite, constipation, fatigue, weakness, numbness and tingling in legs, nausea, and confusion.

Potassium is found in baked potatoes, apricots, cantaloupe, spinach and bananas.

The daily recommended dosage for potassium is 99mg.

Eight Ways To Healthier Cooking

1. Use sea salt, herbs and spices to dress up your meals.

2. Use lots of green leafy vegetables.

3. Make large healthy meals, and freeze leftovers for future use.

4. Grill, broil or bake your food. No frying!

5. Use virgin olive oil for cooking.

6. Cooking sprays are great for skillets and baking pans.

7. Steam all vegetables.

8. Plan out your meals on a weekly basis.

Restaurant Weight Loss Tips

1. No fast food joints.

2. Dessert is a big no-no.

3. Only water and unsweetened tea.

4. Order salad dressing on the side.

5. Have your entrée grilled or broiled. Sorry the fryer is broken.

6. Share your food. Who knows, this might become the reason you want to lose weight?

7. Ask the food server if you can substitute foods.

8. The cracker and bread basket should be sent away A.S.A.P.

9. Don’t frequent restaurants that do not have a healthy menu selection.

10. Stay away from the artificial sweeteners. They will only make you hungrier.

Summer Is Almost Here! *Ten Ways To Get Skinny*

1. Stay away from desserts – they are the enemy.

2. Throw away all your breads, pasta, potatoes, etc. (Maybe just cut down a bit.)

3. Drink 6-10 glasses of good water per day.

4. The portion of your food should fit in the palm of your hand. (Big hands are a plus here.)

5. Eat some protein with your meals.

6. Use lean proteins such as: turkey, fish and chicken.

7. Fall in love with fruits and vegetables.

8. Snack on protein when in between meals.

9. Do not eat when emotional. It can lead to many things!

10. Get your fats from olive oil, avocados, etc.

Welcome To My Clinic

Spinal Decompression Protocol

A Spinal Decompression treatment protocol consists of about 18-24 treatments over a period of 4-8 weeks. This is a non-surgical procedure, and lasts about 20-30 minutes in duration. Many patients feel pain relief after only a few treatments, where others feel the benefits after completion of their treatment protocol. For more information see my video!

Overview of the Foot and Ankle

The human foot serves as the foundation of the body, combining mechanical complexity and structural strength. The ankle specifically serves as the shock absorber and propulsion engine of the body. The foot and ankle are designed to sustain enormous pressure while providing flexibility and resiliency.

The foot and ankle are made up of…

• 26 bones (One-quarter of the bones in the human body are in the feet);
• 33 joints;
• More than 100 muscles, tendons (fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones), and ligaments (fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones); and
• A network of blood vessels, nerves, skin and soft tissue.

These components work together to provide the body with support, balance, and mobility. A structural flaw or malfunction in any one part can result in the development of problems elsewhere in the body.

Supination Can be associated with a high arch!

Supination occurs when the foot rolls outward at the ankle. The most common symptoms of supination are pain through the arch of the foot or pain in the heel. The pain can usually be associated with plantar fascitis or heel spurs. Other symptoms can be back and knee pain.

Excessive pronation can lead to foot, knee, hip, and low back pain

When the subtalar joint pronates, the leg internally rotates. These motions cannot be separated so abnormal subtalar joint pronation will cause internal rotation of the leg when it should not be internally rotated. This can cause stress at the knee and the hip which can also cause low back pain.

By reducing abnormal subtalar joint pronation, functional orthotics help maintain the proper position of the leg at the knee and hip. Even though abnormal subtalar joint function causes only a slight misalignment of these structures, the cumulative effect over time can cause serious problems.

Your doctor can choose from two types of orthotics best suited for your condition.

1. A functional orthotic – is designed to alter the function of the entire lower extremity. This orthotic is made for a foot that does not function properly.

These orthotics are made from a foam mold impression. This will show a 3 dimensional view of the foot in a subtalar neutral position eliminating sublatar joint pronation. They are also recommended for supination to support the plantar fascia, helping to eliminate plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, back and knee pain.

2. An accommodative orthotic – is designed to evenly distribute weight over the entire weight bearing surface of the foot. This reduces stress to prominent areas of the foot.

In more moderate cases of pronation, your doctor may recommend Spine Align Orthotics.

Why Exercise Improves Heart Function

Most people would agree that exercise is good for the heart. With the right type of exercise, the heart pumps more blood and becomes more efficient. During relaxation, the heart fills with blood. When the heart pumps, the blood is expelled to the body.

Exercise increases muscle contraction, and this pushes blood toward the heart. The heart rate will increase at this time. A fast heart rate without exercise is of no benefit. This results from emotional responses. The heart gets strong from exercise by pushing against larger volumes of blood. The heart is a muscle, and can atrophy from lack of exercise. Exercising for 20 minutes, 3 times per week, can be of great benefit. Always consult a physician before starting an exercise program.

Spinal Decompression Explained

Herb Teas

Herb teas are an effective way to improve your health. Herbs can tend to be too concentrated in a solid state, but not in the form of a tea. Mild teas are used daily for many conditions.

If many herbs are recommended for a disorder, it is best to rotate the herbs on a regular basis. This keeps the body from getting used to the herb.

When preparing herbs, use one to three teaspoons of herbs per cup of boiling water (or as otherwise recommended.) Pour the water into a mug, and allow to sit for five minutes. Do not store your herbs in a clear jar, because the herbs potency breaks down with light.

Ear Infections Part II

Doctors of Chiropractic do not treat ear infections. But when a patient with an ear infection is adjusted by a chiropractor, it helps improve chemical imbalances and increases the body’s immune response.

An eighteen year case study of 4,600 patients with restricted upper neck bones concluded: ear infections were very prominent. When the spine was in proper alignment, ear infections usually didn’t occur.

Case studies tend to prove that many children with chronic ear infections, have nerve interference in their upper neck region. Have your child checked by a chiropractic physician on a regular basis.

Ear Infections Part I

Most parents have been awakened in the night by a crying child that has an ear infection. This condition is painful, and is called acute otitis media. Body temperatures soar to 102-104 and fluid discharges from the ear.

Most pediatricians will treat ear infections with antibiotics or decongestants. In severe, chronic cases, tubes are put into the ears to help with drainage. This type of treatment has many side effects. One side effect is the formation of scar tissue, that can lead to future hearing loss.

When antibiotics are given for ear infection, they are seldomly effective. In many cases, recurrent rates were increased in children that had antibiotic care.

First Aid Safety Part IV

Animal Bites

Scrub with soap and water. Rinse with water. Repeat process several more times. Pat dry and apply bandage or sterile dressing. Call health department or animal control (714-935-7419.) Give information regarding the type of animal and approximate location. Call doctor to determine whether or not a tetanus booster is needed. Watch for redness or swelling.

General Aid Guidelines

Be prepared. Have a well supplied first aid kit at home and in your car. Include rubber gloves in your first aid supplies. Go to first aid and CPR courses that are put on by the Red Cross and other organizations. When responding to an emergency look where the victim is. Determine if you’re going to be safe. If situation is too dangerous allow the paramedics to handle the care giving.

 

First Aid Safety Part III

Puncture Wounds

Scrub with soap and water. Scrub vigorously to encourage bleeding if bleeding is limited. Rinse with water. Pat dry then bandage. Call doctor to determine if tetanus booster is needed. Watch for signs of infection.

Severe Wounds

Apply direct pressure to wound. Elevate wounded arm/leg above level of heart. (Assuming no broken bones.) Apply dressing. If necessary add more dressings on top but DO NOT remove any dressings. Treat for shock by covering and keeping warm. If bleeding persists, continue direct pressure to wound and apply pressure to nearest pressure point (arm: press against artery on inside of upper arm; leg: press against artery at crease of groin.)

WARNING: Use a tourniquet only when previous measures have failed and victim is bleeding to death. If used, tighten tourniquet until bleeding stops. Do Not loosen or remove it.

First Aid Safety Part II

Eye Injuries

Keep victim from rubbing eye. Rinse with water or commercial eye wash. (Hold eyelid open and pour from nose to outside.) If you see a particle that doesn’t come out with the wash, dab with gauze or cloth. If there is a penetrating eye injury, have the victim close both eyes. DO NOT attempt to remove the object. Cover both eyes. Cover the good eye with gauze or cardboard which has a small hole cut in the center. This will cause the good eye to focus on that spot, thus decreasing movement in both eyes.

Tooth Injuries

Check for broken tooth, injury to gums or knocked out tooth. Apply gauze or cloth to control bleeding if needed. Find any knocked out tooth and put in container of milk or water. If tooth is knocked out, send it with victim to dentist as soon as possible. Re-implantation is often successful if done within one hour.

Above all else, seek medical advise for any significant injuries. The information contained in this flyer comes from numerous first aid sources, and is only intended to assist in first aid for injuries.

First Aid Safety Part I

Burns

DO NOT:

1) Use ice or ice water;
2) apply butter, ointments or sprays;
3) break blisters;
4) remove burned skin or charred clothing.

For minor burns:

1) Stop the burning. Use cool water from sink or hose, apply cool wet compresses. Continue for 20 to 30 minutes, until burning sensation stops.

2) Cover with clean, dry, non-stick bandage to protect from air. Bandage loosely since swelling may occur.

For severe burns:

1) Get medical help immediately. Let medical help apply bandages.