If you quit worrying about your health… It'll go away. Robert Orben Everyone knows that one of the basic components of a healthy lifestyle is exercise but questions about what to do and how often, how intense and for how long are not always as clear. Here are some tips to remember when designing an exercise program. An ideal exercise program includes both resistance exercise for your muscles and aerobic exercise for your heart. Experts recommend working out 20 to 30 minutes per day, four to six times per week. The intensity or heart rate at which you should exercise is best addressed on an individual basis. Most people should start gradually. An easy starting tool is referred to as the “talk test” which means that you can converse comfortably during exercise without getting short of breath. Target Heart Rates for Exercise Target Heart Rate Zone 50-75% Average Maximum Heart Rate 100% 20 years 100-150 beats per minute 200 25 years 98-146 beats per minute 195 30 years 95-142 beats per minute 190 35 years 93-138 beats per minute 185 40 years 90-135 beats per minute 180 45 years 88-131 beats per minute 175 50 years 85-127 beats per minute 170 55 years 83-123 beats per minute 165 60 years 80-120 beats per minute 160 65 years 78-116 beats per minute 155 70 years 75-113 beats per minute 150 Age Target Heart Rates Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot and heel pain. At the heart of the problem is the plantar fascia, a fibrous band of tissue that runs from your heel to your forefoot. When this tissue is overstretched, often from fallen arches or inadequate arch support, it can become irritated and inflamed. This results in the painful condition called “plantar fasciitis.” Plantar Fasciitis Our new techniques are particularly effective at resolving plantar fasciitis. Through a combination of physical therapy modalities and specialized massage we are able to resolve many cases of plantar fasciitis… even chronic and difficult cases. If custom orthotics are necessary, we can refer you to a podiatrist. Stop living with pain. The first sign of plantar fasciitis is heel pain when you initially stand up. If left untreated, the problem can progressively worsen until it becomes difficult to walk. You can do anything, but not everything. David Allen Pain in the Neck? We offer effective, comfortable treatments to help restore spinal movement and reduce neck & upper back pain. If you or someone you know suffers from neck problems, don’t delay, tell us today! In 2002, The British Medical Journal reported: “Spinal manipulation is more effective and less costly for treating neck pain than physical therapy or care by a general practitioner.” Repetitive trauma conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Tennis Elbow occur when tendons, muscles and nerves are placed under stresses and strains. These stresses and strains may be very minor but over time they can eventually cause wear and tear to the soft tissues of our bodies. Not Just for Tennis Players “Tennis Elbow” pain is often caused by repetitive motions leading to tendonitis. This tendonitis causes sharp pain in the elbow region when you lift something as simple as a glass of water or a container of milk. This pain can often resolved through proper treatment. Ask us today! Preventing Migraines Avoid known food triggers, including chocolate, alcohol, wine, beer, dairy products, citrus, fried foods, pork, onions, tea, coffee and seafood. Eat at regular intervals. Hunger is a migraine trigger Stay well hydrated with 6-8 glasses of water each day. Avoid caffeinated beverages. Sleep six to eight hours per night. To ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals, eat a variety of foods and consider vitamins. Basic supplements that are important in every diet include a multi-vitamin/multimineral as well as an anti-oxidant. “If it were not for chiropractic, I would not have won the gold medal. You obviously can’t compete at your fullest if you’re not in alignment. And your body can’t heal if you’re not in alignment. Every track and field athlete that I have ever met has seen a chiropractor at one time or another. It is absolutely essential.” Dan O’Brien Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist Sprains & Strains Sprains and strains occur when any muscle, tendon or ligament is stretched beyond its limits. This results in tearing, much like a rope that has been stretched too far and begins to fray. Sprains and strains can result from acute injuries like an auto accident or fall. Chronic strains result from overuse stress like poor posture at a workstation or sleeping on a bad mattress. Simple, acute sprains and strains may be treated for the first 48 hours with R.I.C.E.S.; rest, ice, compression, elevation and support. Any increasing discomfort or pain that lasts over 24 hours is a warning that something needs to be checked. Because…the stressors that damage muscles and ligaments often cause misalignments of joints too. These misalignments can lead to premature arthritismuch like misaligned tires that wear more quickly. Our doctors and therapists are experts at keeping your muscles and joints healthy. Don’t ignore a nagging discomfort. Sleep Sleep on a firm mattress. Avoid waterbeds or soft, sagging mattresses. Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees or on your back with a pillow beneath your knees. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Avoid sleeping with any type of draft blowing across your neck or back as this may occasionally trigger painful muscle spasms. If you must sleep with an open window or a fan, make sure that your neck and back are covered. The average American diet contains 1 ½ servings of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit per day. The minimum recommended daily allowance by the FDA is 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. Optimally, we should eat 9+ servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Computer Workstations Your hips and knees should be at 90 degrees, feet flat on floor/footrest. Your shoulders should be relaxed (not elevated) and elbows should be held at 90 degrees- Preferably on an armrest. Your keyboard should be positioned so wrists are not bent up or down or twisted. Your monitor should be adjusted with the center of the screen about 15 degrees below eye level. Adjust the eye-to-screen distance to your focal distance so that you do not need to lean in order to focus on the screen. A lumbar roll or support should be used to provide low back support. Set up your computer or workstation to help facilitate proper posture and to help eliminate repetitive twisting. What we think, or what we know, or what we believe is, in the end, of little consequence. The only consequence is what we do. John Ruskin Disc Problems Disc bulges may cause nerve compression. This is called “sciatica”. The painful symptoms of sciatica may radiate into your leg or foot. Disc bulges and some other causes of sciatica may be effectively treated with chiropractic care. Love cures people – both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it. Dr. Karl Menninger One of the most overlooked causes of neck and upper back pain is improper neck support while sleeping. Choose a pillow that allows your head to remain in a neutral position while on your side or back. Avoid sleeping on excessively thick pillows or multiple pillows. A fiberfill or feather/ down pillow is generally better than a solid foam pillow. There are many commercially available pillows that promote good neck posture. Arthritis Arthritis is a common condition that can cause discomfort… but doesn’t have to limit your activities. Through exercise, chiropractic adjustments and good nutrition you can keep those arthritic joints functioning at their best. Here’s a few of the most common conditions we treat: Low Back Pain Disc Injuries & Sciatica Neck Pain and Headaches Muscle Strains Auto Accidents and Whiplash Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Arthritis and Joint problems Plantar Fasciitis Work-related and Sports Injuries Knee & Ankle Injuries Shoulder Pain & Rotator Cuff Injuries Your body is formed by a collection of pieces. Chiropractors put all the pieces together making your body function at an optimal level. You must be the change you wish to see in the world. Gandhi Backpack Safety Improper use of backpacks has recently become a major source of back and neck problems among children and adults. A few simple tips can help avoid problems both now, and later. A loaded back pack should never weigh more than 5-10% of a child’s body weight. It is important to use both shoulder straps. The straps should be padded and adjusted to your child’s size. The popular practice of wearing a backpack by one strap can lead to serious problems in growing children. A backpack with an internal frame and individual compartments helps to distribute the load and position the contents evenly. In 2002, The Annals of Internal Medicine journal reported: “In daily practice, spinal manipulation is a favorable treatment option for patients with neck pain compared with physical therapy or continued care by a general practitioner.” R.I.C.E. Your Injuries Rest- To avoid re-injury in the first 48 hours. Ice- Apply for 10 to 20 minute periods. Re-apply after a 30 minute break, as needed. Ice packs come in a variety of types, but a Ziploc with ice cubes or a bag of frozen corn works well. Compression- Wrap the injury with an elastic ACE bandage, when possible. Elevation - Elevate a limb injury to limit swelling. Whiplash An injury to the neck caused by a sudden movement of the head backward, forward or sideways is commonly referred to as “whiplash.” Automobile accidents are the most common cause of whiplash injuries. Studies show that almost ½ of the people who suffer a whiplash injury will have permanent symptoms; neck and shoulder pain, headaches, or symptoms radiating into the arms. The actions that you take following a whiplash injury can forever affect your health. A chiropractic evaluation is essential. Specific spinal adjustments can help restore proper motion and position of individual spinal bones. If you or someone you know has been injured in an automobile accident don’t delay treatment. Make sure that your headrest is always properly adjusted. Almost ½ of car occupants who are hit from behind suffer permanent damage and symptoms. Much of this could be prevented by making sure that your headrest is adjusted to the top of your skull. Exercise Benefits Lowers blood pressure Decreases risk of heart disease Decreases incidence of type II diabetes Decreases bone density loss Decreases risk of hip and vertebral fractures Decreases risk of falling Improves function & mobility Decreases pain Slows arthritis Improves quality of sleep Improves brain function Decreases rates of depression, Improves short-term memory Decreases risk of colon, breast, prostate and rectum cancer Improves quality of life and decreases fatigue Decreases mortality & morbidity Decreases risk of obesity Improves symptoms in peripheral vascular disease We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit. Aristotle Aquatic exercise or water aerobics is a good alternative for patients who cannot tolerate weight bearing exercises. This is an excellent option for patients with osteoarthritis and other degenerative conditions. To improve your diet, follow the laws of science rather than the current “popular” or marketing-based diet choices. Decrease refined carbohydrates- sugar & white flour. Decrease red meats. Choose “Healthy” oils like olive and canola Increase fruits and vegetables. Replace carbonated, caffeinated or caloriecontaining beverages with water. It’s never too late! Research shows that increases in life expectancy are possible even in patients who did not begin to exercise until the age of 75. Tell us if you have Headaches… We may be able to help! "Bodybuilders and fitness people have been using chiropractic very extensively in order to stay healthy and fit. I found it was better to go to a chiropractor before you get injured. We are a perfect team- the world of fitness and the world of chiropractors." Arnold Schwarzenegger Choose Your Oils Carefully Omega 6 oils are bad- these include the “warm weather Southern oils” of corn, sunflower, peanut and most others. This would also include oils from red meat, dairy products and shellfish. Omega 3 oils or “cold weather Northern oils” are better. These would include flax, soy, wheat germ, canola and fish oils. Olive oil is classified as an Omega 6 and has been shown to have highly anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been shown to have numerous other biological benefits including the reduction of harmful free radicals. When possible, substitute organic, extra virgin olive oil in place of any other oil. “Organic” means that it was grown in pure soil without the use of pesticides, and extra virgin means that it was pressed without the use of heat or chemicals. You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take. Wayne Gretzky Disc Problems Discs are the flexible cushions between the bones of our spine. Discs depend upon normal position and movement of adjacent spinal bones to stay healthy- like a sponge being squished and released to move fluids in and out. When a vertebra loses its normal motion, the healthy “pumping” of nutrients stops and the disc begins to dry, crack, and eventually bulge under stress. We offer effective, comfortable treatments to help restore spinal movement and reduce painful bulging- proven treatments like; Cox axial distraction and Triton decompression. We’ve helped hundreds avoid potentially dangerous surgery. If you or someone you know suffers from a spinal disc problem, don’t delay, ask how we can help today! Smart Lifting Face the object you are preparing to lift. Always lift with your legs -not your back. Never bend over without bending your knees first. Hold and carry objects close to you. Don’t be shy about asking for help! Shoulder Pain While the shoulder is the most movable joint in the body, it is also one of the most unstable. The shoulder, unlike the hip, is not a true ball and socket. The shoulder is more like a golf ball and tee, where the ball can shift due to problems with muscles, tendons or ligaments. Frequent problems include sprains, strains, tendonitis, bursitis, rotator cuff injuries and arthritis. Shoulder Pain We offer effective, comfortable treatments to help restore shoulder motion, improve strength and reduce pain. We’ve helped hundreds avoid potentially dangerous surgery. If you or someone you know suffers from shoulder pain, don’t delay, You could compare a medical doctor to a chemist… someone who uses medications or chemicals to change your body. A chiropractor is more like a mechanic who uses stretching, therapy and gentle adjustments to correct the source of your problem. Water Please Caffeine should be limited to no more than 1-2 servings per day. Carbonated beverages contain carbonic acid, which as an acid, irritates inflamed tissues. Sodas, juices and sports drinks often contain high levels of sugars and other useless calories. Drink six to eight glasses of water each day. Vertigo Vertigo is a condition that affects your balance. It can range from a sensation of light-headedness to full-tilt room-spinning. Vertigo can have many different causes. Any vertigo warrants prompt attention! Some causes are threatening but most are not. Two of the most common causes include otolithstiny “stones” that become lodged in the inner ears balance mechanism and neck restrictions. If you have vertigo-& especially if you also feel neck tension- we may be able to help. Since I’ve been in chiropractic, I’ve improved by leaps and bounds,both mentally and physically. Michael Jordan NBA Hall of Fame Exercise Programs Always check with us before starting a new exercise program. We can provide valuable information for safely beginning. Resistance exercise should be performed 3-4 times per week. Beginners can start with elastic tubing and progress to machines or free weights. A lifting program is not beneficial if you injure yourself by lifting heavy weights too soon. A good rule of thumb is to balance “pushers” with “pullers”. Pushers include; shoulders, chest, triceps, abs, quadriceps, and calves. Pullers include; biceps, back and posterior shoulder muscles and hamstrings. Pushers and pullers do not need to be worked during the same session; in fact they should probably be worked on different days. Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. Mark Twain Carpal Tunnel Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of a nerve within the “carpal tunnel” at the wrist. This pressure results in numbness, tingling or pain in the thumb, index, middle and ½ of the ring finger. It is typically caused by repetitive tasks involving the hand and wrist. Symptoms are often worse at night or when holding objects like a newspaper, hairdryer or steering wheel. As the problem progresses, loss of grip strength and weakness of the thumb muscles may occur. Carpal Tunnel Conservative treatment is often effective for carpal tunnel syndrome. Cases that are treated early are more likely to respond to chiropractic & physical therapy. Surgery may be necessary for cases that have become severe. Our doctors & therapists are skilled at finding and fixing the source of your hand numbness. We offer effective, comfortable treatments to help relieve your symptoms. If you or someone you know suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome don’t delay, ask how we can help today! Fiber High fiber intake improves gastrointestinal function and decreases our risk of colon cancer. We should ingest 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Good sources of fiber include beans, lentils, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. A person’s health can be judged by which he takes two at a time – pills or stairs. -Joan Welsh Get Fit ! Aerobic exercise can help prevent conditions ranging from heart disease to back pain. Any activity which uses large muscle groups and requires your heart and lungs to work harder is considered aerobic exercise. Examples of aerobic exercise include; walking, running, bicycling, swimming and low-impact aerobics. Vary your activity to help prevent overuse injuries. Exercise Burns Calories Calories burned Activity (one-hour duration) 140- to 150pound person 170- to 180pound person Calories burned Activity (one-hour duration) 140- to 150pound person 170- to 180pound person Aerobic dancing 416-442 501-533 Racquetball 448-476 539-574 Backpacking 448-476 539-574 Rope jumping 640-680 770-820 Badminton 288-306 347-369 Running, 8 mph 864-918 1,040-1,107 Bicycling (outdoor) 512-544 616-656 Skating, (ice- or roller-) 448-476 539-574 Bicycling (stationary) 448-476 539-574 Skiing (crosscountry) 512-544 616-656 Bowling 192-204 231-246 Skiing (downhill) 384-408 462-492 Canoeing 224-238 270-287 Stair climbing 576-612 693-738 Dancing 288-306 347-369 Swimming 384-408 462-492 Gardening 256-272 308-328 Tennis 448-476 539-574 Golfing (carrying bag) 288-306 347-369 Volleyball 192-204 231-246 Hiking 384-408 462-492 Walking, 2 mph 160-170 193-205 Jogging, 5 mph 512-544 616-656 Walking, 3.5 mph 243-258 293-312 "I've been seeing a Chiropractor and he's really been helping me out a lot. Chiropractic's been a big part of my game. Joe Montana Professional Football All-Star Be Good to Your Spine If prolonged standing is unavoidable, consider shock absorbent shoes or antifatigue matting. When standing, a footrest will help relieve pressure on your back. Avoid high-heeled shoes or boots, as they create additional stress on your hips and spine. When you cough or sneeze, bend your knees slightly first. Does Running Cause Arthritis? Life-long, senior runners are 5 times less likely to have ankle, knee & hip arthritis Runners are 20 times less likely to have hand, elbow and shoulder arthritis Runners have 33% less hospital & Dr. Visits Runners suffer 50% fewer lost work days and up to 90% less disability Runners have lower blood pressure, heart rate and weight and report higher perceived health Do you have pain in your shoulder when you raise your arm? Many people do and most just ignore it. Why put up with it? Tell one of us about it so we can help today! Tennis Elbow Elbow pain may result from one of several different problems. A common cause of elbow pain is from irritation to the forearm tendons that attach at the outer aspect of the elbow. Interestingly, only 5% of the people afflicted with this condition play tennis. It more commonly occurs with repetitive use of the arm especially with a clenched fist. Our doctors & therapists are skilled at finding and fixing the source of your elbow pain. We offer effective, comfortable treatments to help relieve your discomfort. Ask how we may help you too! Most of our new patients come to us by referrals. If you know someone else who could benefit from our care, please tell them about us. Your friend will appreciate the relief & we appreciate your referrals. Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. Lao-Tze Ergonomics is the study of how to adapt the work place to the person. In other words, the work environment should be adapted to you, not the other way around. This is important because when the work station fits your needs, fatigue and stress decrease and your comfort & productivity increase. Workstations Keep the tools that you need within close and easy reach-like an airplane cockpit. Rearrange your space or hang tools up so everything is convenient to reach. Take regular and periodic breaks so your hands and body are not subjected to too much fatigue. Plan short breaks throughout the day, perhaps using a timer so you don't get excessively involved in your activity. Proper lighting is also important. We are available to speak to your favorite club, church or group, offering interesting & informative programs: Preventing and Relieving Low-Back Pain Managing Neck Pain & Headaches Sitting on the Job- Workstation Ergonomics Starting an Exercise Program Safe & Efficient Running Mechanics Healthy Lifestyles- 25 Years of Healthy Tips Ask us today about how you can schedule a free presentation for your club or group of friends! Use your car’s lumbar support to comfortably support your spine. If your vehicle doesn’t have a built in support, ask us about after-market models. We stock several inexpensive lumbar cushions that will make your trips more comfortable. A cheerful heart is good medicine. The Bible Fresh fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients, which are known as the “guardians of health”. Phytonutrients have been shown to protect us from several chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and arthritis. “I do believe in chiropractic. I found that going to my chiropractor three times a week helps my performance. The majority of boxers go to get that edge.” - Evander Holyfield, Heavyweight Champ The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease. -Thomas Edison Are Golf Injuries Common? The PGA Medical Staff reports that up to 85 percent of the injuries on the PGA Tour and Senior Tour relate to the spine. The PGA & LPGA have a Chiropractor on their medical staff for prevention and treatment of injuries and for improved performance. About 70 to 75 percent of pro golfers receive regular chiropractic care. Poor Putting Posture = Pain Chiropractic Treatment The vertebrae in the spine are similar to links on a chain. They can develop “kinks” that impair motion and cause pain. Chiropractors work to restore alignment and motion to these vital segments. Chiropractic Treatment Adjustments to the spine restore alignment, relieve nerve pressure & pain, and improve mobility and range of motion. Motion is the Key Normally, each vertebra in the spine moves independently a certain number of degrees when our whole body is involved in an activity. If that is not happening, for example, if two or more segments are restricted, rather than moving independently, it can lead to spinal strain, inflammation, stiffness, pain and promote degenerative changes.