Monthly Health Topics

March 2013 – March 22 is World Day for Water and
March 25-31 is Arthritis Awareness Week

February 2013 – February 18 is International Asperger’s Day

January 2013 – Otitis Media: “The Miracle Cure”

December 2012 – Foods that boost your immune system

November 2012 – Does a Healthy Spine = a Healthier Life?

March 2013

March 22 is World Day for Water

International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

On this day GBC would like to take a moment to emphasize the importance of hydration on your health and recovery.

Water constitutes about 75% of our bodies and it is essential for good health and well-being. We require proper hydration to regulate temperature, cushion joints, eliminate wastes and for countless other functions.

Experts observe that many of us are chronically dehydrated. The most common manifestations of this phenomenon seen in our office are such as: back muscles that are very sensitive to palpation, and extended period of muscle and joint soreness post chiropractic adjustments.

So how much water is adequate? A simple formula would be to divide your weight in pounds in half. That should be your daily water intake in ounces. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds (72 kg), divide by two; you should be drinking at least 80 ounces (2.2 litres) of water a day, even more if the weather is hot or dry.

Your body has a constant need for water. Sip it throughout the day so you never feel thirsty.

March 25-31 is Arthritis Awareness Week

During this week GBC would like to extend a subtle reminder to all our patients about the importance of a healthy joint.

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis which is characterized by joint pain, brought on by the breakdown of cartilage. Weight-bearing joints, such as knees and hips, are most often affected, although it may also affect the fingers, lower back and neck or any other joint.

Many factors contribute to the cartilage breakdown that causes osteoarthritis, including restriction in a joint’s range of motion, mental and emotional stress, toxins in the body, repeated high-impact exercise, improper nutrition, hormonal imbalances and excessive body weight.

Research has shown that regular chiropractic care may help with improving motion in restricted joints, allowing for proper stress distribution1. This not only helps alleviate symptoms such as pain, swelling and stiffness, but also helps prevent further wear and tear.

Prevention is always better than cure. Hence maintain a healthy joint by adopting a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly and opt for regular chiropractic care to help you avoid permanent degenerative changes in your body.

February 2013

February 18 is International Asperger’s Day

Asperger’s Syndrome is a relatively mild autistic disorder. It is characterized mainly by an impaired communication and social interaction commencing from childhood. Asperger’s Syndrome is generally classified under an umbrella term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and is sometimes consider as a milder form of autism.

Many parents with children diagnosed with ASD are concerned about the health and safety of their children from all the medications prescribed to treat such conditions, and is increasingly interested in seeking alternative mode of health care to help manage their child.

Chiropractic care appears to be a well-accepted form of intervention. Research has shown that many developmental disorders of childhood, such as ASD, are closely related to impaired growth and development of the nervous system in the child. Chiropractic approach to healthcare focuses on restoring the function of the nervous system by removing interference of the nerves cause by the spine, as well as addressing various issues of a child’s health such as diet and nutrition. By optimizing the nervous system, chiropractic empowers the child to grow healthier and stronger physically, mentally and emotionally.

Unlike medications, chiropractic care of children is natural, safe, and allows for your children to grow and develop to be their best! So contact Mindarie Keys Chiropractic and Wellness Centre today to inquire how chiropractic may help your child.

January 2013

Otitis Media: “The Miracle Cure”

By Peter Fysh, DCS

Jenny, age 3-years, presents with chronic recurrent otitis media. The problem has been a difficult one since the first year of her life. Frequent earaches and six trips to the emergency room in just the past five months is straining her parents’ patience, not to mention the effect it is having on young Jenny.Consistent courses of different antibiotics have not been able to arrest the problem, and now tympanostomy tubes are being considered.

At the recommendation of some friends, Jenny’s parents bring her to the chiropractor. They are a little hesitant at first, not knowing what type of treatment chiropractic has to offer for young children. The doctor takes some time in examining young Jenny and finally explains that the cause of the problem appears to be a malfunction in the lymphatic drainage system, caused by a subluxation in the child’s cervical spine. They discuss the treatment program and learn that it involves only a gentle adjustment of their daughter’s cervical spine, followed by some light neck massage. The parents seem happy with this treatment option, since the antibiotics have not been able to correct the problem and because they would rather not have their daughter undergo surgery for the tubes.

After Jenny’s first chiropractic treatment, the problem appears to be improving. At her follow-up visit, two days later, her earache has gone. One month later, there is still no re-occurrence.

Jenny’s is an actual case chosen from the files of the many children who have had seemingly “miracle cures” for chronic recurrent otitis media. Her problem, however, is all too familiar to parents with young children. Otitis media is one of the most common infectious diseases in childhood, with the incidence being greatest in the age group from six to 36 months. Up to one-third of the child population will have six or more episodes before starting school, and some can have up to 12 episodes in a year. 1

The diagnosis of otitis media is based on the finding of an inflamed and bulging tympanic membrane. The cause of the problem is not as readily discernible as the clinical findings would appear to be. Inflammation and effusion in the middle ear may be due to bacterial invasion, but may also be due to viral infection or an allergic reaction.2 This helps to explain why antibiotics are not always effective in treating otitis media, since viruses and allergies are unaffected by this form of treatment.

Fluid build-up in the middle ear, from any of these causes, may be responsible for eventual rupture of the tympanic membrane. Therefore, myringotomy procedure to insert a tube in the affected ear is the next medical procedure recommended, if antibiotics don’t work.

The chiropractic treatment of otitis media is based on the model that restricted lymphatic drainage from the middle ear plays a major part in the establishment of chronic recurrent infections.

Lymphatic drainage from the ear runs by way of the cervical lymph system and depends significantly for its flow on adequate muscle activity. If a child has had a fall, for example, and has caused a minor misalignment in one of the vertebrae in the neck, the irritation caused by that problem is sufficient to cause the neck muscles to develop a state of increased tension or spasm. The resulting muscle contraction, especially in the area of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), may be the cause of restricted lymph drainage from the ear.

Scientific studies of patients with chronic otitis media have been reported in the literature showing significant evidence of reduced lymph drainage from the eustachian tube. Pulek and Horwitz (1973) proposed obstruction of the eustachian tube lymphatics as being the mechanism for the production of serous otitis media.3 Two early studies by Robison proposed that the pathogenesis of serous otitis media was due to lymphatic obstruction of the nasopharynx.

Since the lymph system is responsible for phagocytosis, it is logical to assume that any disruption to normal lymphatic activity could be responsible for a reduction in the body’s defense mechanism against both bacteria and viruses.

The treatment proposed by this model, initially requires identification of any areas of fixation or irritation of the facet joints of the cervical spine. On the involved side, i.e., the side with the ear problem, there will usually be increased tension in the cervical spine, and the cervical lymphatic chains (anterior and posterior to the SCM) will usually feel like a “string of pearls.” Correction of the spinal problem areas by gentle adjustment (usually C1-3) may reduce the tense cervical musculature, permitting restoration of the normal physiology of the lymphatic system. Ancillary to the adjustment of the cervical spine, is a light stroking massage of the SCM on the involved side (toward the heart) to further assist in restoring normal physiology to this area.

References:

  1. Kline MW: Otitis Media. In Oski, et al., Principles and Practice of Pediatrics, Philadelphia: Lippincott, 900:1990.
  2. Browning GG: Childhood Otalgia: Acute Otitis Media. Brit. Med. J., 300:1005, 1990.
  3. Pulek JL and Horwitz MJ: Diseases of the Eustachian Tube. Otolaryngology, Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 2:75-92, 1972.

December 2012

FOODS THAT BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

GARLIC

Garlic is a powerful immune booster in fact it is deemed one of nature’s most powerful antibiotics. By stimulating the production of infection fighting white blood cells it also increases the efficiency of antibody production. Much of its benefits seem to derive from sulphur containing compounds one of which is Allin which converts into Allicin, this is an effective antifungal, antiviral, anti bacterial and helps fight against parasitic infection. To receive the highest benefit from garlic it is best eaten raw, that’s if you can stomach it of course. If you can’t eat it raw try adding it to some salad dressing or make some guacamole. Other alternatives are to fry it in a pan with some olive oil or even add it to your vegetables or soups.

GINGER

Ginger is a fantastic antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-biotic, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, helps ease the pain of a sore throat, decreases congestion, gets rid of chills and fever, promotes circulation, cleanses the blood, relieves indigestion and nausea, contains Vitamins A, C, E, B Complex, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Beta-Carotene and Potassium.

Ginger can be used in food, drinks and baking. Use fresh gingers peel and grate it and it to a pot of boiling water once off the boil add lemon and honey for a great tasting medicinal tea. It may be an old wives tale but Ginger has also be known to be used in a warm bath, the properties of ginger increase the production of sweat and therefore help the body dispel toxins and germs.

Ginger is also a great remedy for nausea and vomiting if you’re unlucky enough to get a bout of either of those over the winter!

TURMERIC

Containing cur cumin, a polyphenol that has strong cold and flu-fighting properties, this rich spice has been used for centuries as part of Ayurvedic medicine. It is used widely for cooking and is found in every yellow curry. The powder is a rich golden color that has antiseptic qualities; it is often used to treat cuts, burns and bruises. Turmeric is a fantastic spice for cooking, adding lots of great flavor.

VITAMIN C.

Vitamin C has been widely researched and has been proven to increase the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies. It is a strong anti-viral, antioxidant and even acts as an antihistamine. It increases the levels of HDL cholesterol whilst lowering blood pressure and interferes with the process of fat being converted into plaque in the arteries, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Available naturally in fruits and vegetables you don’t need to take massive amounts of Vitamin C to boost your immune system. The recommended daily dose of 200milliigrams can be achieved just by eating at least six servings of fruit and vegetables a day.

Lemons are a fantastic source of Vitamin C and have the added bonus of equalizing the balance of acids and alkali in your body. Adding lemons to you tea or water or even squeezing them over your vegetables is a great way to get an extra dose of Vitamin C. Citrus, papaya, strawberries, tomatoes etc. are also great sources of natural Vitamin C.

OMGEA 3

Omega 3’s is a polyunsaturated fat that has long been linked to helping reduce inflammation, making it a great supplement for people with inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and inflammatory bowls. New Research has found that it is also found in your white blood cells, otherwise known as your immune cells. The more Omega 3 you have in your white blood cells the better they work.1

Oily fish such as Salmon is a great source of Omega 3, so eating fish 2-3 times a week is a great way to increase your dietary input. Taking it as a supplement is also a great way of getting Omega 3 into your diet. Fish oil and Krill oil are good alternatives; just make sure that they have EPA and DHA in them.

November 2012

Does a Healthy Spine = a Healthier Life?

One of the big observations seen in this chiropractic clinic is that patients under wellness care don’t seem to get sick! This relationship of the spine to the immune system has been a topic that has had much discussion and research over that last three decades.

What the research has found is that the health the immune system is tied into the health of the nervous system1.

Ronald Pero PhD, Chief of Cancer Prevention Research at New Yorks Preventative Medicine Institute, started studying this relationship over 25 years ago. He started a joint study with the Chiropractic Research Foundation measuring disease susceptibility on individuals who had received long term chiropractic care. The results showed that chiropractic patients had:

  • 200% greater immune competence than people who had no chiropractic care.
  • 400% greater immune competence than people with cancer or other serious disease2.

A research study in 2001 found that the immune system and nervous system have a two way communication net-work3 and a review of a collection of studies found:

  • That the optimal functioning of the immune system is dependent on the balance of the endocrine (the glands of the body) system and the nervous system1.
  • Loss of this balance may lead to immune defects and may significantly contribute to the occurrence of allergies and auto immune disease1.

In 2005 Pero with another group of researchers studied the benefits of chiropractic on repairing DNA4.

  • The research found that chiropractic patients had improved DNA repair.
  • It also found that the repair was higher in patients that had no symptoms and had been receiving the care for the longest period of time.

What does this mean?

The research above shows how the health of immune system is tied into the health of nervous system. When a spinal Subluxation occurs, the resulting nerve irritation causes an altered communication between the bodily systems; prompting sickness and a lesser quality of life5.

“Look well to the spine for the cause of disease”
HIPPOCRATES

How long you choose to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you. Get started today! (08) 9301 2300