Dr. Doug Sullivan's Blog

An Inspired Health and Wellness Community

2010-05-11T22:30:00.004-05:00

I had a conversation last week that I have been waiting my entire professional career to have! Through a colleague of mine, I was introduced to a gentleman who, although not a physician himself, GETS IT...I mean, he really GETS IT!

Gets what you ask?

He gets the way health care SHOULD be. He is organizing a group of local, like minded health care providers and educators into a village of sorts...a group of practices and medical buildings within a park like setting of vibrant landscaping, water features and walking trails. All of the practices/physicians are INVITED to this community based on their commitment to collaboration in treating the whole person. From family medicine to podiatry to orthopedics to chiropractic to pain management to ob/gyn to.... you name it. All in one place. These doctors are not just renting office space in a pretty medical complex, they are buying into a concept of active cross referral and aggressive, forward thinking treatment of a person...not just their particular specialty condition(s). Promoting wellness...maintaining good health from all angles rather than just reacting to symptoms and treating one particular condition while ignoring all of those that "I don't specialize in". Imagine being able to go to one location where all of your medical and wellness needs are met (no more driving all over town). Imagine that a doctor identifies an issue outside of his particular specialty and, instead of sending you across town (or worse...just says "you should see someone for that"), sends you immediately across the hall.

He calls it "an inspired health and wellness community".

I say: "its about time"!

And, I am excited to say that North Hills Chiropractic has been invited to the table to discuss the development and potential involvement in this community. With all of the things that seem to be broken in our health care system these days, it brings me great hope to see projects like this... projects that bring the focus of our doctors back where it should be... on helping YOU to live long and well.

Cold Laser To The Rescue

2010-01-30T13:47:00.006-06:00

It has been a while since my last post...so much happening in life! The holidays, a new year, new office staff members (and sadly, one departing too), kids, wife, cat, etc, etc, etc. And also, marathon training...yes, I said marathon training. In my last post, you will recall that I was bemoaning the fact that I messed up...I ignored the check engine light. I let a nagging injury to my right ankle get out of hand when I ignored the escalating pain that it was providing as feed back. Eventually it got the best of me...and it looked as if my training for the Fort Worth Cowtown Marathon was shot just as it was getting started. I was very disappointed...this was to be my first marathon...the first big endurance event of several that I had planned for 2010. Not a good start for sure!

Well, after whining about it for a little while, I put my doctor hat on and went to work trying to fix the issue and salvage my quest to get to the Cowtown Marathon. First step, as I said before, RICE: rest, ice compression and elevation. Next step: Cold Laser Therapy! Although I've been using this therapy for years in my office...with great success I might add...I had failed to consider using it on ME! And, my ankle tendinitis (over stretching to the point of micro-tearing a tendon; the structure that attaches muscles to bones) is a PERFECT condition to be treated by the laser. DUH!

Cold laser treatment is an amazing therapy and has been used in the healing arts since 1965. It works by supplying energy to the body in the form of non-thermal photons of light (not high enough frequency as to cause significant heating). The body is able to absorb this external energy on a cellular level and transform light energy into chemical energy, which the body uses to accelerate the normal healing rate of tissue for a wide range of ailments. Most people cannot even feel the laser as it is being applied. It has application for treatment of a wide variety of conditions including tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fascitis and other issues, myofascial adhesions, bursitis, neck and back pain...and a whole lot more.

Anyway, I began applying the laser to my ankle tendinitis twice per day. Additionally, I stopped running completely for about 2 weeks. Additionally, I wore kinesiotape bracing literally 24 hours a day for those 2 weeks (another great treatment that I will save for a different discussion). Finally, I went to my local running store and got a professional shoe fitting that addresses my particular running traits...I came home with a great shoe made by Newton (also a great topic for another discussion). With each application of the laser, my ankle condition improved and, at the end of that 2 weeks I was back out on the road doing (slow, careful) test runs. This, despite the fact that my podiatrist friend warned me that this type of tendinitis usually heals over months...not days.

Now, I have put nearly 2 months of hard training on the ankle without a problem. Granted, I kinesiotape for every run and am very deliberate in maintaining my proper running gait too. I still get a laser treatment on my ankle after every hard training run but I have essentially been able to return back to my regular routine after only 2 weeks off! And to that, I say AMAZING...even though I see it happen regularly with my own patients!!

At this point, my goal of completing my first Marathon is in-sight as I begin to wind my training down. I will complete the last of my long training runs today (21 miles...have done that 2x already) and will then begin to taper down from here to prevent injury and be fresh for the Cowtown. But, without the Cold Laser Therapy, there is no way I would have been able to say that! In fact, without the cold laser therapy, I would probably just now be feeling better and trying to get back into running again!

Cold Laser has rescued my plans! Now bring on the Marathon (and the triathlons and the ultra marathon later this year...yep, I guess I am a bit twisted)

Ignoring the Check Engine Light

2009-11-29T20:59:00.008-06:00

I remember when it happened...4 months ago in July during a race that I had trained months for. The El Scorcho 25K midnight race in Fort Worth. I had never run 15 miles before and the race had a reputation for a fast pace and very hot weather (yes, even at mid-night...you folks here in Texas know exactly what I am talking about) so I had trained hard and was ready. In the process, I had changed over to a new type of shoe to help correct a problem called illio-tibial band syndrome that was affecting my left hip and knee. The change seemed to work well and I came into that night feeling strong and ready to go the distance. Well, I went the distance but did it at a price. The change in shoes drastically changed my running gait and as I got further into the night, my ankles and calves got progressively more fatigued. And then, out of the darkness came a rut in the running path that I failed to see in the light of my headlamp. In normal circumstances (daylight and better supported feet) it would have only caused a slight shuffle that I would have thought nothing more of. However, my fatigued right ankle rolled slightly and I stumbled...almost fell on my face...recovered...and then kept on running. At first I felt nothing but, as the miles kept piling up the ankle started hurting. Finally, I was forced to walk most of the last mile due to the pain.

As you can imagine, it hurt quite a bit the next day or two and I did what I was knew I was supposed to...RICE...Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Additionally, I treated it with Cold Laser, Kinesiotape, and FAST Patches from Wei Labs. It is what I recommend to my patients and, of course, it worked. I began to feel better. Within 4 days or so I was walking normally and feeling pain only if I really pushed the ankle.

AND HERE IS WHERE I MESSED UP!

I had 2 triathlons and a half-marathon on the calendar between then and mid-October and I didn't want to stop training. So, I went back to it. I kept the ankle taped but slacked off on the laser and the patches. I also didn't do any significant physical therapy for the ankle. And while it complained a bit when I ran longer miles, my ankle held up through the rest of the summer. In retrospect, my saving grace was probably that I was training in 3 different sports and thus, the cycling and swimming kept me from pounding it in those poorly supported shoes too many times per week.

Well, fast forward to the "off season"...now. Off season really just means no scheduled races right now. It is too cold to swim and cycling requires a lot of clothing to fight the cooler temps. It is easier just to head out the door and run....a good time to start training for a marathon. That is exactly what the plan was...right up until this last week! And BAM! My right ankle pain came back hard. In the back of my mind I knew it would. As my running miles have started increasing over the last month, my ankle has gotten gotten crankier...and progressively earlier into each session. So it wasn't a surprise really when, last week right before Thanksgiving, I had to cut a tempo run short and walk home due to ankle pain. Now, I am forced to take time off of running to treat the ankle properly (I have no choice...it hurts even when I walk now) when I really can't afford to. My goal is to run the Cowtown Marathon in Fort Worth in February (my first full Marathon ever...26.2 miles) and I am on the 3rd week of a 16 week training program. Each week builds on the next so, taking a couple of weeks off to treat my ankle will likely blow my chances of being trained properly for my February marathon.

A consultation with a podiatrist friend of mine has confirmed that I need to go back to RICE, kinesiotape, cold laser therapy and FAST patches (luckily I know a great clinic where I can get all of that done...I hear the chiropractor there is pretty good). But now it will likely require additional physical therapy and some time trying to find the right, supportive running shoe to take care of my condition...posterior tibialis tendinitis. My friend tells me I am lucky I didn't rupture the tendon as happens to many runners that "push through" this type of problem. He has strongly cautioned me against a fast return because doing so will likely cause greater injury and only further my time out of the sport I so love...or even force my retirement from running entirely!!

So, I will be the good patient and do as I am told...rest it, heal it, rehab it and then properly support it as I slowly return to action. Although, I can't help but be angry at myself for all of this...if I had just taken a couple of weeks or so when this first started back in July to PROPERLY treat it, I certainly wouldn't be facing the weeks of time off and rehab work that I have to do now. And look at the consequences...I will likely miss the race that I have had my goals set on for over a year now. Because I didn't take care of the ankle when it was a LITTLE ISSUE...

Well, let me tell you...I see this scenario play out everyday in my office with my own patients! A neck injury occurs or low back pain develops out of the blue but it is manageable...so they treat it a little (a few adjustments, some ice, some Advil) and the pain goes away. And then, despite my repeated warnings, so do they. Off to tackle all that the world has to offer...Too busy to do any thing more for their nagging little issue at the time. However, later when they return to my office once the little nagging issue has ballooned into a problem they can no longer handle, they lament, "I should have taken care of it earlier". It is then that they realize a small amount of time spent doing ALL the right things...for the right amount of time would have prevented the spinal problem from progressing, degenerating and becoming debilitating. Now they are faced with a tremendous amount of chiropractic care and physical therapy costing them much more time and money than it would have initially. And, in some cases, they let it go beyond the point that I can help them.

See, we forget that God made our body as this wonderfully adaptable machine that, if demanded to, will work around and/or ignore small problems (such as injuries, spinal misalignments, illness) for a while. Thus we can continue to occupy ourselves with whatever it is that we are focused on at the time...work, kids, school, vacation, etc. BUT, in order for the body to do this, it must compensate...use joints and muscles inappropriately, bend differently, use more or less energy than usual, rest less, etc, etc. As with any machine that is used in ways it isn't designed for, these compensations eventually cause the body to break down resulting in pain...amongst many other things.

My point to all of this...hopefully it is clear by now. Don't ignore the small aches and pains. If left untreated, they will usually lead to bigger issues that require more time, energy...and yes, money to take care of. Be proactive! Go to the chiropractor early and often to live a long, healthy, break down free live.

I will leave you with a thought that I give to all of my patients: treat the aches and pains that your body throws at you just like the red warning lights that show up on the dashboard of your car...with immediate attention. You know what will happen to your car if you ignore the "check engine" light right? Well, don't let the same happen to your body...pain is a warning sign...pay attention!

Statements Of The Think Big Revolution

2009-11-17T23:08:00.002-06:00

As I finish reading and contemplating on the book I told you about in my previous post, I feel compelled to reprint here the book's final summary...His "Statements Of The Think Big Revolution". As I read and re-read these statements, I continue to be surprised how many of them continue to grab me and shake me each time...as if it was the first time to "hear it"... a disturbing illustration as to how easy it is to become lost in the small thinking of our society. If we aren't careful, we are suddenly living exactly opposite of these statements which will certainly negatively impact our lives in so many ways...

From: The Think Big Manifesto by Michael Port

Statements Of The Think Big Revolution

STATEMENT OF CORE

I will identity what I stand for through a concerted process of self-questioning and exploration to discover my core, the what that is so me.

I will make public what I stand for.

I will hold myself visibly accountable each day to its letter and spirit.

STATEMENT OF INDEPENDENCE

I will be comfortable with who I am right now and know that I am good enough.

I will use my innate talents and gifts to do big things in the world.

I will not give up in the face of others' fear or disbelief.

STATEMENT OF COLLABORATION

I will be a person others want to work with.

I will work with others without hidden or selfish intent to accomplish our mutual goals in the service of what each of us stands for.

STATEMENT OF DISCOMFORT

I will not seek control.

I will make visible my purpose, make promises in its service, and take risks to fulfill my commitments.

STATEMENT OF PROMISES

I will be an authentic person, one whom others can rely on.

I will make hard promises that push me to the best of my capacity.

I will not try to fulfill. I will.

STATEMENT OF SUBMISSION

I am here to learn.

I will deliberately seek out wise and true teachers and submit to the authority of the constraints they create in the service of our goals.

STATEMENT OF INTEGRITY

I will be congruent in private and in public, in purpose and in action.

I will act in the spirit, light, and service of what I stand for.

STATEMENT OF WORK

I am a warrior.

I will train to be strong psychologically, intellectually, and physically so that I may have the fortitude to do the big things I am capable of.

STATEMENT OF FUN

I will embrace chaos and joy.

I will let go of the false notion of control and laugh at the inevitable absurdity of existence, mine above all.

STATEMENT OF NOW

I will be now. I am now.

I will not wait for the other in the false security of excuses and procrastination.

I will do now.

Stop The Stinkin Thinkin!!

2009-11-01T21:21:00.003-06:00

This weekend, I began reading a new book recommended to me by a colleague, mentor and friend. Although I haven't yet finished it, I can already tell you that it is by far the most important book that I will read this year! In just a few short pages it grabbed a hold of me and shook me pretty hard...

But, before I tell you the name of the book, let me set the current situation...the reason I think this book has grabbed my attention. I'm betting many of you may be able to relate!

Have you ever felt like the world is just moving WAY TOO FAST?!? Like somewhere along the line somebody turned up the speed dial but forgot to tell you to "hang on". I think most people have times in their life that are like this...my problem though, is that there seem to be more and more of these times. I find myself getting bogged down in the minutia of running a business, treating sick and hurting people, caring for my family, paying my bills, attending the never ending meetings...etc, etc, etc. And in the process of all of this...forgetting to have fun...enjoy...breath...look around. The world is a complicated place...mostly because we have made it that way...and it can easily overwhelm you if you let it. All of those things I just mentioned are necessary and should be enjoyable (yes...even the paying the bills part) but NOT when they are viewed as just "part of the grind". You know what I mean...just one more cog in the day...one more in a never ending set of tasks...another day another meeting. Are you guilty of this mentality? I certainly am!

Here is my thought on why we fall into this trap ("its time to make the doughnuts") that causes life to lose its luster...its joy...its meaning. It is because we forget to think big...we forget to set and work towards goals. NOT just "make it through the week" or "get that next bill paid". No! I mean big things...really big things! Things that almost seem unachievable! Business things, personal things, family things. It is these big things that make us stretch...that make the "daily grind" have importance...that make things fun. Working toward these goals (or expectations as I like to call them) give us purpose and direction. They help us prioritize all the "things" in our day. They even help us make decisions about what we will and wont do. Its simple...if a particular decision isn't going to get me closer to my goal(s) then I probably won't go that way. Boy, that makes decision making easy!

BUT, then it happens...even if you did get those goals set. Even if you did start off good in working towards those expectations. Even if they were big things that made you tingle and made you excited to get up in the morning. Life! things happen, distractions occur, let downs come around. And, if you aren't careful, suddenly you have forgotten the goals and your decisions are getting made not by what is best for the expectations you set...but by what is needed to get by in the moment. How does his happen? Oh man, the opportunities are endless; buying into and continuing to listen to the media, an issue with your child, a fight with your spouse, an unexpected business occurrence, a financial crunch...(by the way, I came up with this list from my own experience over only the last 4 months!). And just like that, you are off track...distracted, not having fun, failing your daily challenges, grouchy, angry. A business coach of mine calls this "stinkin' thinkin'".

It is important that we recognize first, how important it is to have goals to strive for and secondly, how easy it is to get off track if you let your guard down. We must constantly remind ourselves of our goals...the directions we want to go, the things we want to reach for. the joy and the success and the "living" come in the work and efforts we put forth in working towards these goals. But we must be diligent about reviewing and reminding ourselves of these goals DAILY! We must remind ourselves everyday to think big, think positive, stay focused. Why? Because no one else will do it for you. In fact, there is much in the world that will conspire against your success...the media (when was the last time they reported something that uplifted you?), the government (not much positive or supportive coming from that direction lately), even your friends (many will revel in your failures because it keeps you closer to their lot in life), just to name a few.

And so this book made me realize that I had fallen pray recently to my own stinkin thinkin. My last few months have seemed to contain more negatives than positives. And I had not pulled out my goals for review in quite a while. I got caught in the spiral of thinking small...looking only at the things going on in the moment...and then dwelling on them. Perpetuating them. I allowed a few bumps in the road...a few cogs in the wheel to get me looking...and then moving in the wrong direction. This book has encouraged me to think BIGGER. And to do it a lot (like all the time!). It has reminded me that life is much more fun when I am striving to achieve big goals...I look forward with anticipation to all the opportunities that tomorrow and next week bring to move closer to those goals (instead of just getting up to face another week).

I've re-evaluated my goals...and in some cases have even increased them a bit. They are big...exciting...scary. I will raise a lot of money for an Autism cure, I will see 80% of the people in my area receiving chiropractic care, I will complete my first Marathon in 2010, and many others. I'm excited, I'm thinking bigger already. Next week is still as busy as it was scheduled to be when I left my office on Friday. There are still a lot of potential distractors. However, from my re-adjusted view now...there is a lot less "grind" to it and so much more opportunity to move closer to my goals...my big goals. And boy that sounds like FUN!

By the way, the book that I am reading is called The Think Big Manifesto by Michael Port. Check it out...I hope it shakes you up as it did me.

Until next time...Live Healthy!

Tri To Be Healthier

2009-10-25T20:42:00.002-05:00

Today, I accomplished another "check mark" on my To-Do List. I competed in, and finished, the Keller, Texas Monster Sprint Triathlon. It was a goal I set for myself back in May when my brother told me about a similar race he had done near his home in Colorado. Not to be outdone, I immediately began looking around for a race to do too...yes, there is just a touch of sibling rivalry to be had here. Well, I actually found 2, a September race in Denton, TX and today's race, literally just around the corner from my home. They both went on the calendar and my training commenced.

Triathlon brings together 3 sports that I have enjoyed over the years; swimming from my high school days, cycling from my high school and college days, and the distance running that I really love to do now. How wonderful it has been to have all of these different exercises to choose from as I strive to keep myself in shape! I mean, I love to run...but I had forgotten the freedom and speed that cycling provides and the break from all of the joint pounding that swimming provides. And then there is the training discipline that taking on such a sport demands. Because, of course, I hadn't just set a goal of completing the triathlons. I set a goal of doing well in them (my competitive nature I guess). Anyway, during training you have to do a bit of work in each area each week. It is really hard to burn out on this kind of program because it changes everyday. I found myself always looking forward to the next training session because I hadn't done that particular sport in 2 or more days.

Well, long story short, my first triathlon a few weeks ago was done as a learning experience...to get an idea of how the whole thing works. Today, in my mind, was the real deal. at 7:30 the race began; 300 meter swim, 12mile bike and a 3.1 mile run. Beautiful (slightly chilly) weather, great roads for the bike and a beautiful trail to run. I finished 80th out of 700. Not too shabby I must say. And more importantly, I feel great.... it is such a thrill to push your body that way and to feel it respond. Then, 2 hours later, I was back home with my family for a day of activities.

But, the real reason for this post is not to discuss me but to discuss some things I have noticed as I have ventured into this world of triathlon. What I have discovered is that, while there are some real die hard tri junkies (live eat and sleep training and racing), the more common tri athlete is everyday Joe and Jane. What I mean by this is that just as many are slow as others are fast. Just as many are a bit over weight as others are skinny and perfectly fit. Just as many are gear heads (fancy clothes, fancy bike, fancy shoes) as other are "everyday" (shorts and a T-shirt, Schwinn street cruiser and cheap nike tennis shoes). My point is this:

I was with 699 other people today that had all made a commitment to themselves to get and stay fit. And they were announcing it publicly by setting a goal to complete this event...and then actually showing up (something I have noticed we often don't do)! While we were all out there "racing", the real competition depended on the person. There were an elite few that were truly competing for the top prizes. Others were trying to top out in their age categories. Still many others that I talked to were there just simply as a commitment to themselves to live an active life style and to be with a group of others that have a similar interest. Whatever their reason, they were there. While the rest of the world slept, they were there doing something healthy and good for themselves.

And, I have discovered this about triathletes too; they are a very friendly and supportive bunch! In both races, as I set up my transition area prior to the start, I had great conversations with the athletes around me. We talked about training, and goals, and where we had come from (most were previous armchair captains) and what kind of physical and mental changes we had seen as we worked our way towards our races. Furthermore, out on the course, the athletes all cheer for each other..."looking good" or "great stride" or "your tearing 'em up". And at the end of the race, they all hang around exchanging stories and the goals for their next race and...most importantly, cheering in those that are still coming in to the finish.

In fact, I enjoy watching the late finishers more than those coming in around me because they are truly there just for the fun (and the exercise) of it...sometimes hours behind the first place people. I like watching them because of the true emotion they display. My favorite today was one of the last place people on the course....she was riding an old bike that could have used some work, overweight and moving very slowly. BUT, as she entered the transition area to drop off her bike and begin the running portion a huge cheer came up from the other athletes that had long ago finished and were already packing up their gear. She had a huge smile on her face and tears coming down her face as she yelled to no one in particular, "I'm doing this!". And she was...with every peddle of that bike, every step of that run, every stroke of that swim, she was not just getting closer to the finish of this race...she was gaining a longer shot at life...a healthy life.

I don't know this particular person's story, but I've heard a lot of similar ones. They finally decide to take control of their health. And they do it by setting a lofty goal...finishing a triathlon...and telling someone. That makes it stick...that makes it official. Now they have to do something to reach that goal. It is really the training that is important, not the race its self. The race is just the motivation. The training,,,the exercise...that is where they really win. They create new habits, they eat better, they have a healthier focus. Maybe they have help...a coach, a training buddy, a guide book....what ever it takes. But just as many do it all on their own. The bottom line is that they realize a change needs to be made and then they take the biggest step...getting started.

Does this need to be you?

So maybe triathlon isn't for you...maybe you sink when you swim or have joint pain when you run. That's ok, I get it. My point is not to turn you into a triathlete, my point is to show you that you CAN change take control of your health...and have fun doing it. BUT it must be a lofty goal...or you won't strive for it. AND, if you do decide to give triathlon a tri, welcome to the club...it is a growing group and boy is it addicting!

Until Next time...Live Healthy

Are You Dizzy?

2009-10-23T21:49:00.004-05:00

Have you ever played that game as a kid (or even an adult...come on, you can admit it) where you lean forward, place your forehead on a baseball bat and walk around it in circles really fast? Then, once you are good and dizzy, you straighten up and try to walk. Funny isn't it...how you just can't seem to get where you want to go in a straight line and how "spinny" the world seems?

Well, now you have just a glimpse into the experience that people suffering with vertigo have. They experience the illusion of movement...either they feel they are moving or they feel that the world is moving around them. Either way, it is quite disconcerting. Additionally, they may experience nausea, sweating, headaches, vomiting and fatigue.

There are lots of of potential causes of vertigo including central and peripheral nervous system disorders, a wide variety of prescription and over the counter medications, diabetes, low blood sugar, head and neck traumas and food allergies/sensitivities. However, about 65% of vertigo is diagnosed as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) - a result of calcium debris in the inner ear (your body's balance sensory center). The exact cause of these debris in an individual is usually unknown but may be the result of season allergies, alcohol, nicotine, fried food and/or excessive salt intake.

Chiropractors are trained in appropriately diagnosing BPPV and effectively treating it using a procedure called the Epley Maneuver. Treatment involves moving the patient rapidly through certain positions to move the calcium debris to a less sensitive location in the inner ear. Studies Show that up to 80% of patients diagnosed with BPPV recover after a single treatment with Epley maneuver and most cases will respond to two or three treatments.

Treatment for other types of vertigo depend on the individual case and can include dietary changes and supplementation, ergonomic and lifestyle changes and specific exercises. Again, chiropractors are well trained in diagnosing the various types of vertigo and recommending the appropriate treatments. Always make sure you tell your chiropractor about all the symptoms you are having as some times dizziness that is actually related to a more serious disorder can be confused with simple vertigo. Red Flag symptoms include double vision, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, difficulty waking up or staying awake, inappropriate actions, difficulty controlling arms or legs, abnormal eye movements. The presence of any of these along with vertigo should be presented immediately to the emergency room.

With the proper diagnosis and treatment, BPPV may actually be one of the fastest resolving conditions that a chiropractor treats you for.

(Information obtained from The Mystery of Vertigo; ACANews, October 2009. Pg 16)

Until Next time...Live Healthy.

A Certified Expert...

2009-10-20T22:28:00.006-05:00

I was recently asked to join a panel of chiropractic experts at a chiropractic information web site called ChiropracticTruth.com. This website is available to provide discussion, history, guidance and information as one decides if chiropractic care is a method of health care they wish to pursue. I will be posting informational podcasts there once or twice a month. Don't hesitate to let me know if there is a particular subject you would like me to elaborate on in an up-coming podcast (as the DJ says, "I take requests").

Currently, I have discussions on Bursitis, Sciatica, Osteoarthritis and the Flu. Planned discussions include Chiropractic Before Pain, Decompression Therapy, and Laser Therapy.

Chiropractic, The Flu and You

2009-10-17T21:45:00.005-05:00

No doubt, the flu epidemic has been a pretty major topic these days. You can hardly take a breath without reading about it, hearing about it, seeing it on TV or...just plain seeing it right in front of you. People everywhere are sneezing, coughing, sputtering, gasping...makes you want to hold your breath, stuff your hands deep in your pockets and hide away in your closet until next spring! But, unfortunately, that just isn't reality. We have to face it, germs are everywhere and we need to pay attention as to how best to protect ourselves from becoming infected by them and/or transmitting them to others.

My sister-in-law, a very successful and VERY intelligent physical therapist, emailed me the other day with some light hearted ribbing about the flu related advertising her local chiropractors were running. She openly wondered exactly how a chiropractor would "adjust the flu out of someone" (her words) and how chiropractic treatment could possibly help "prevent contracting the flu" (their words). I laughed with her a bit and agreed that these statements seemed to be pretty far reaching. I further agreed that maybe this advertising could be a bit over the top and maybe should be toned down. There was a little more banter back and forth in the spirit of two people that obviously have some very different health care philosophies. However, we then had a more serious discussion about how this growing flu epidemic did indeed concern us both as individuals and as health practitioners responsible for the well being of so many others. As we parted ways in cyberspace though, my e-conversation with her wouldn't leave my mind. I couldn't help but be troubled with the view she took on conservative medicine's role in flu (general illness) prevention. Granted, I didn't step right up and throw out the stats and figures that I know exist in support of this idea either. Furthermore, I have no idea as to what context the local chiropractors are advertising this information. However, I can say that when shocking information like this is presented to a public that is unfamiliar with the background science, and immediate follow-up education is not also presented, it is doomed to be viewed in exactly the way my well educated sister-in-law perceived it...as hog wash.

So after some thought and deliberation, I have formulated my response to her posed questions...most quoting from a 2004 news release from the World Chiropractic Alliance. I guess you can say, "better late than never"...

Chiropractic corrects 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 can have a positive effect on immune function, WCA officials note.

"Contemporary research is beginning to shed light on the neurobiological mechanisms which may explain the outstanding clinical results chiropractors have experienced when managing patients with viral and infectious diseases," stated Dr. Christopher Kent, WCA Vice President.

Dr. Kent explained: "A comprehensive review of the research literature reveals the current understanding that the brain and immune system are the two major adaptive systems in the body. 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."

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. The immune system protects us 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.

This same news release also goes on to say...

A large retrospective study conducted by Dr. Robert Blanks and colleagues studied 2818 individuals undergoing chiropractic care - these individuals reported an average overall improvement, ranging from 7-28%, in a battery of physical symptoms including stiffness/lack of flexibility in the spine, physical pain, fatigue, incidence of colds and flu, headaches, menstrual discomfort, gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, dizziness and falls (Blanks et al., 1997, Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research).

More importantly, the incidence of colds and flu was reduced by an average of 15% in this large population who were undergoing regular chiropractic care.

According to Dr. Terry Rondberg, president of the World Chiropractic Alliance, "While we would love to say we (chiropractors) figured this out, the truth is we didn't. We simply take advantage of it to help out patients."

I could post a lot more but I think you get the point. In all reality, regular chiropractic treatment is a very good way to increase your immune function and allow your body to naturally fight the bugs that attempt to invade it. BUT, you have to play an active role in this fight too. Positive health life style practices must be followed (rest, drinking ample quantities of water, diet, exercise, proper food choices, use of high potency multivitamins and minerals... I recommend www.Vemma.com..., and stress reduction) are necessary to positively influence the nervous system and immune response.

And while I am at it, I have one more recommendation that I feel will drastically improve your chances of avoiding the flu this season. In fact, I think this product is so important that I have made its use by my staff mandatory and am also requesting that my patients use it upon every visit to our office. It is called Microdine...essentially a surgical grade hand sanitizer that is available over the counter through a doctor's office. And this isn't just any old hand sanitizer either! It has a 6 hour persistence...meaning that, once applied, it remains on your hands for about 6 hours killing better than 99% of the microbes it comes in contact with. It's iodine formulation meets the CDC's (Center for Disease Control) requirements for an effective destroyer of flu and H1N1 while its proprietary design is such that Microdine does not dry out your skin like other sanitizers of this magnitude do.

Considering that better than 90% of the germs that make us sick (including flu and H1N1) are transmitted by the hands, Microdine is a must have for everyone right now! For more information or to order Microdine, go to my website (listed in the column to the the right of this blog) and click on the "flu protection" tab on my home page. To get a discount on your first order, enter the code NHCHCFO in the coupon box of the checkout page.

So, can doing these things guarantee you won't catch one of the bugs going around this season? Of course not...but isn't every step that improves your chances of better health and germ resistance worth a try? In the end, the only one really responsible for your health, good or bad, is you. The evidence is there that chiropractic improves immune function and germ resistance. now it is up to you to act on it.

Until next time...Live Healthy!

Here Goes Nothin'

2009-10-13T12:28:00.003-05:00

Well folks, here I am...all dressed up and nowhere to go. I've officially been dragged, kicking and screaming I might add, into the world of tweets, twitters, facebooks, blogs and websites. I really have wondered about them for a while...but kind of from a distance. I knew it would one day be important to have all of these things because it is obvious that this is how the world of communication and connection is going. But yet I resisted. I said I was too old, too stuck in my ways, too...well you get the point.

Anyway, I have succumbed to the peer pressure of my colleagues, the suggestions of my business coaches, the requests of my patients and friends and yes, my own curiosity. Imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning, after setting up my Twitter account yesterday, to find 2 people "following" me. And now there are more... Kind of a strange feeling. And now, blogging...telling people my thoughts. Well, I've always had "thoughts"...often strong thoughts about topics. Some people insist that those thoughts should be put here for people to read, examine, think about, act on...and yes comment on. How scary!

So yes, I will be putting my thoughts on health care, chiropractic, living well, motivation, running, autism, kids, politics...well, maybe not politics...right here. I hope you enjoy it. I hope you learn from it. I hope it makes you think. If so, let me know...and pass it on to a friend. I've dedicated my life to helping others through natural healthcare and education. I hope this forum can become yet another way to reach out and help others.

Till next time... Have a Healthy Day!!