Thursday, February 5, 2009

Chiropractic and High Blood Pressure...

Valentine's days, thanksgivings, birthdays, anniversaries... they come along only once a year. What if you don't live to see another one of these cherished occasions with your family and loved ones ever again? According to the American Heart Association, one out of every three of us in the United States is suffering from what they label as 'the silent killer' or hypertension, without even knowing it.

High blood pressure pushes against the walls of arteries and veins and can cause strokes, heart attacks, aortic aneurysms and even death without any warning whatsoever. Unfortunately most Americans don't even have any symptoms before it is already too late.If you are ready to take the first step towards ensuring a long healthy life for you and your loved ones, then give us a call at 949-922-3465 today, for a FREE blood pressure screening and risk factor consultation.

Truth About High Blood Pressure Medication
It is important to understand that hypertension medications will NOT change, modify, or address the underlying cause of high blood pressure. They synthetically lower your blood pressure by either dilating your blood vessels, slowing down your heart, or thinning out your blood. You may be able to lower your blood pressure on paper, but this 'silent killer' has not been treated - not to mention the adverse side effects of all the chemicals you will be taking.

3 Secrets to Beating the 'Silent Killer' Naturally and Effectively
New research is now showing some natural remedies are just as effective as their medical counterpart, without any further damage to your health.

1. Chiropractic Care
Many of us consider chiropractic care a vital path to excellent health, but did you know that it has also been shown to significantly improve high blood pressure? New and exciting research performed by medical doctors last year shows that chiropractic care can be as effective as high blood pressure medications - with no side effects!

Correct positioning of your neck vertebra is vital in optimal functioning of your neck and entire body. A misaligned neck however, puts pressure on your nerves and contributes to accelerated aging, migraine headaches, body aches, fatigue and last but not least - hypertension. For a one-on-one complimentary consultation contact our office for an appointment 949-922-3465.



2. Evaluate your Nutrition
As you may already know, a low salt diet can improve your blood pressure, but research has shown that garlic, green tea, apple cider vinegar, and olive leaf extracts are miracle foods that can effectively combat this deadly condition. As far as minerals and supplements, calcium, magnesium, potassium, as well as fish oil and CoQ10 should also be added to your supplement list. There are multiple other herbal and nutritional supplements that can regulate your blood pressure and put you on the road to a long and healthy life. For a detailed assessment of your diet or supplemental intake give us a call at 949-922-3465.

3. Watch Your Weight
Its been shown that a 10% weight loss can normalize your blood pressure. A regular and effective exercise program specifically to regulate your weight, insulin levels, and high blood pressure is the way to go.

The only side effect to this one is a fit and healthy body! Continue to make memories and live a healthy life for years to come. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to be around for a long time and enjoy life.

Taking the first step is as easy as calling 949-922-3465 for your FREE blood pressure screening and risk factor assessment. Your loved ones will thank you for it.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Heart of a woman...

Heart disease now has a new face - it’s young, fit and female. Journal of American College of Cardiology reports that deaths caused by heart disease in women under 45 years old have been increasing by 1.3 percent each year since 1997.

The typical cardiac patient has historically been a middle-aged or older male; females have been left out of heart disease research studies, which have led to the perception that it does not pertain to women. Female-oriented vascular conditions such as microvascular disease and pregnancy-related heart troubles are less understood than coronary-artery disease which triggers heart attacks in men. Meanwhile 4 in 10 women do not recognize heart disease’s most life threatening sign until it is too late – a heart attack!

The number of young women (under 45) who die from coronary heart disease each year is roughly comparable to the number of women who die of breast cancer, yet there are numerous breast cancer awareness organizations and little in the way of heart disease education. Thus this month’s article will investigate and educate women on risk factors and screening steps.

Doctors are not making the connection between suspicious symptoms and a significant cardiac event in female patients. A recent study presented 800 physicians with patient profiles in which the heart risk levels were identical, but the genders differed. Even when a woman’s risk was the same as a man’s, doctors were more likely to classify her case as low risk.

Women develop different type of heart disease than men and the symptoms and complexity is yet to be researched. Heart disease in women strikes multiple smaller arteries while men more commonly develop a single large plaque that clearly blocks a single artery.

Another reason women with heart disease are being inadequately examined and tested may have to do with the under-recognized connection between the reproductive organs and heart health. Irregular menstrual cycle and hormonal imbalances play a role in coronary vessels tightening and thus making you more susceptible to heart disease and heart attacks.

Pregnancy and pregnancy-related complications such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and gestational diabetes can trigger heart disease by increasing blood clotting and risks of high blood pressure. New moms are often told that these conditions are pregnancy-specific and are resolved after birth of their child. New research now shows that they can have an impact years after the pregnancy.

1. Know your numbers
By age 30 get your blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels checked annually.

2. Know your risks
Abnormal cholesterol levels
High blood pressure
Drug or tobacco use
Diabetes
Family history
Obesity
Pregnancy
Birth control pills
Poor diet
Lack of exercise

3. Get Checked
Based on your numbers, many doctors will use online tools to assess your risk level and determine what tests you need. Ask your doctor about female-focused Reynalds Risk Score (reynoldsriskscore.org) which accounts for all the risks as well as factors that can be particularly troubling in women, such as certain cholesterol types and inflammatory markers specific to females.

Signs, symptoms, and risk factors for heart disease can be subtle or seemingly harmless and prevention is extremely valuable. Educate yourself on risks, take care of your body, and ask your doctor for a checkup. Call me if you have any questions 949.922.3465 or if you'd like to get more information

Monday, January 12, 2009

Recovery and Rejuvenation Post-holidays...

Recovery and Rejuvenation Post-holidays…

Holidays can be a heavy burden on anyone’s body. Average individuals can gain anywhere from 2-6 pounds and they begin to feel the effects of large consumption of food, alcohol, rich sweets, lack of exercise, and dehydration. The good news is you’re not alone in the overindulgence during the holidays.
A detoxification or cleansing program can not only be a great start to the New Year, but also help you rid yourself of all the toxins you have collected throughout the year and during the holidays. To keep all of your organs functioning at their best, an annual internal cleansing is beneficial. The food we consume contains a range of harmful toxin substances that can cause fatigue, headaches, indigestion, musculoskeletal pain, inflammation, skin breakouts, bloating and last but definitely not least weight gain. Are you suffering from these symptoms? Are you at your 100% optimal health? Could you use a little push? Are you feeling sluggish, irritable, or unable to focus? Have you gained a few pounds over the holidays and would like to get healthy again?

If you are ready to make the commitment for better health and optimal wellness…

Your body is overwhelmed with all the toxins, having to unload the toxins, and boost your immune system at the same time; it can get weak and tired. Personally I have gone through multiple cleanses within the past few years and have had amazing results. Just recently through my research I came across a company that offers cleansing of all 8 major organ systems in the same 21 day purification program. Many of my patients have started cleansing beginning of 2009 and more are joining. If you are interested in the program, have questions or more importantly want your optimal health back, give us a call at 949.922.2404
In the mean time…

Hydrate:

Drink a ton of water, and non-caffeinated herbal teas.
The recommended amount is no longer eight glasses a day. It is your body weight divided by 2 in oz. of water. For example, if you weigh 100 lbs/2=50 oz of water.
To make it a fun experience, add a slice of cucumber or strawberry to your water.


Exercise:
There is no substitution for an active life style. Make it your goal in 2009 to get fit, lose weight, become healthy and strong. Learn to love moving your body. Play outside. Need help? Visit www.workingyourbody.com

Fiber, Fruits and Veggies:
Eat plenty of fiber found in brown rice, fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat foods that are naturally detoxifying such as beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, and seaweed.

Keep it simple:
Lower your intake of dairy products, red meat, sugar, complex carbohydrates, processed food, and diet drinks. Going for smaller portions is a great start to a healthy purification without starvation.

Relax:
Enjoy a nice walk outside, take a long bath, try a yoga pose, and breathe!


Good luck with your New Year Resolutions, and Detoxification Programs and Happy 2009!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Chiropractic & Migraine Headaches...

Chiropractic care gives hope to patients with migraine headaches…

Headaches are a very familiar problem in today’s society most commonly seen in women. A severe episode can interfere with daily living activities, work, or even relationships. Three most common types are headaches are tension, cluster, and migraine. A tension headache is caused by muscle spasm at the base of the head and neck area. Cluster headaches are caused or exacerbated by caffeine or alcohol, and are frequent and severe. Migraine headache can occur either from dilated blood vessels or interference with the nerves going into the skull.

This month I would like to focus on migraine headaches because more than 29 million people suffer from this debilitating condition. Scientific evidence supporting chiropractic care and its benefits for migraine headaches is proliferating each year. In a recent research study I read, from a group of 127 patients with severe migraine headaches, 22% who were under chiropractic care reported a reduction in frequency of their episodes by more than 90%. Additionally 49% of these individuals reported a significant decline in the intensity of each episode.

The most recent theory claims that migraine is a disorder of the Central Nervous System. The brain and spinal cord form the Central Nervous System and everything in the human body is mediated by it. Tension in muscles of the neck (cervical spine) can cause segmental misalignments in the neck. These misalignments will cause interference with the nervous system which then leads to dilation of the blood vessels in the brain and thus causes a migraine headache.

It is extremely important to understand that migraine headaches are just a symptom, a way for your body to tell you something in your nervous system is severely malfunctioning. If there is nerve interference in your spine or Central Nervous System that is causing the migraine headaches, you should be very aware and concerned about other visceral signs and symptoms. Conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, insomnia, general fatigue, low metabolism, visual disturbances, auditory problems, as well as weak immune system can be associated with lack of nerve flow to the head and neck.

A symptom is a warning sign for a serious condition or series of conditions that your body has been fighting against for some time, and numbing a symptom with over-the-counter pills is NOT the answer. Getting to the root of the problem and finding out what is causing it is the first step to better health.

I have treated hundreds of cases of patients with migraine headaches and achieved extraordinary results after the traditional medical approach had failed. If you are suffering from migraine headaches, give me a call at 949.922.3465 and schedule an appointment to get your nervous system checked. If you know someone who is suffering from this condition, share this information with them and give them hope.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Stress...

Ways to Tackle Stress…

Everyday challenges and obstacles, especially with today’s tough and uncertain political and economic outlook can be overwhelming, and the pressure can be too difficult to handle - that's when we experience stress. Stress is defined as mental or physical tension, and one can cause the other.

Small doses of stress can be beneficial in motivating you to do your best and stay balanced in life; they are an inevitable part of life. However stress can become a threat to your mental, physical, and emotional health when life’s demands exceed your ability to cope. Excessive amounts of emotional or mental stress can influence your immune system and exacerbate your physical symptoms. The link between your mental health and physical wellness is very strong. We are often not too surprised to catch a cold while we are dealing with a stressful situation. Research has shown that excessive and or chronic stress through a chain of events can cause low back pain, stomach pain, high blood pressure, skin outbreaks, misalignments of the jaw, headaches, tension in the neck and shoulders as well as weight gain.

It is not only impossible, but also unhealthy to eliminate stress completely. A healthy alternative is to learn ways to minimize, deal with, and control negative effects of stress in your life. Incorporating healthy habits into your daily activity will reduce your stress level and help you live a more balanced life. Here are a few hints to keep in mind.

Environmental stressors can set off the stress response in your body. With everything that goes on in our world, including politics, economics, and finances, our stress levels can skyrocket. It is great to be aware of all economic and political issues that surround us these days, but it can also be overwhelming. To survive this political season and combat media-induced stresses, try limiting your time on the phone, listening or watching the news, and tense conversations or interactions with others who have opposing views. Turn off the T.V. and radio and try ten minutes of yoga or meditation.

Trim and prioritize your to-do-list. Analyze your schedule, appointments, responsibilities and daily tasks and tackle them in order of importance. Poor time management, feeling like you are stretched too thin, and running behind can cause severe stress. Try to find a balance between work and social activities. Spend time with friends and family. Your to-do-list should have an enjoyable activity on it whether it is reading a book, dipping in the hot tub, window shopping, watching a funny movie, listening to music, or my personal favorite - taking a walk on the beach.

Exercise and eat healthy. A healthy diet and regular exercise can detox your body of all stress-related byproducts and give your mood a natural boost and leave you relaxed. Cut down on caffeine and sugar and try post-exercise euphoria instead. A fit and well-fed body can give you more energy, ability to concentrate, improved quality of sleep, and thus reduce your stress reactivity. You never know, this can also help you slow down the aging process! There is no substitute for a healthy and well balanced diet and an exercise regiment, so get some veggies in your diet, call up a work out buddy and hit the gym.

Last but not least, don’t ignore the pain and discomfort in your lower back, or the tension you have been feeling in your neck and shoulders. Stress hormones lower the threshold of our pain receptors, tighten muscles and ligaments, reduce blood flow into the tissues and increase overall inflammation in our bodies. Visit us at Balance in Motion, park your car at a distant, take a walk to our stress-free office and enjoy a chiropractic adjustment or a relaxing massage to help you with your musculoskeletal discomfort and relax.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome...


Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is associated with tingling, numbness and or pain the hand, fingers, or wrist. Compression of the median nerve inside the carpal tunnel can cause these symptoms. The Carpal Tunnel itself is a small tunnel that is formed by the alignment of eight carpal bones in the wrist. A group of tendons, ligaments, and the median nerve run through this tunnel. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is associated with pressure of the median nerve and it is most commonly seen in individuals who perform repetitive tasks, such as computer work. Pressure on the median nerve can be caused by three ways:

1. Bad diet: American diet is typically high on fat, red meat, salt, and lots of other inflammatory substances. An inflammatory diet will promote water retention all over from internal organs to the lining of ligaments and tendons. An inflammatory diet can cause water retention in the Carpal Tunnel, and thus put pressure on the median nerve. This is also known to be the cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in pregnant women due to their higher water retention throughout pregnancy.

2. Overuse: each of the eight carpal bones in your hand can become subluxated or misaligned relative to each other due to overuse, or repetitive work. Ligaments become overstreched, and muscles in the forearm become tight.

3. Trauma: it is often the cause of misalignment of the carpal bones or the attachment of forearm and hands. Falls that involve hyperextension or hyperflexion of the wrist can cause symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The medical approach may include a splint, anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, and in extreme cases injection of corticosteroids for temporary relief. Surgery is the last resort, and recovery can take months with no guarantee that you have rid yourself of the symptoms.

Chiropractic approach
is less invasive, and involves finding the source of symptoms, as well as addressing them. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions. Nerve entrapments that cause the same symptoms in hands and lower arms can happen in the neck region. Nerves that branch out of the upper part of spine go into arms, hands and fingers; thus involvement of the nerves in the neck is not uncommon. After a complete examination, neurological and orthopedic tests, and x-rays, I can determine the actual cause and place of nerve entrapment, and relieve pressure accordingly. To make your visit wholesome and more effective, I recommend life style and dietary changes, as well as stretches, strengthening exercises, and other physical modalities to be done at home.

Chiropractic approach, is a complete and excellent choice for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and should be considered before more invasive treatments. Please call us at 949.922.3465 if you are suffering from symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel to see if you qualify for a free consultation.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

More on Chiropractic for Kids...


What conditions in children can improve with chiropractic care?

Spine plays an extremely important role in protecting the nervous system, visceral organs, immune system and etc... Thus entrapment or pressure on the spinal nerves can cause a variety of conditions. Chiropractic care has been shown to help with such conditions some of which are as follows: Otitis media (chronic middle ear infection), colic, persistent earaches, asthma, ADD/ADHD, headaches and bed wetting. Call 949.922.3465 to see if Chiropractic Care can benefit a condition your child has.

How are children’s spinal problems evaluated and treated?

After a careful and extensive evaluation and multiple neurological and orthopedic exams specifically designed for young children, misalignments can be found. Chiropractors who are trained to evaluate pediatric patients will use gentle light finger-tip adjustments to correct spinal malfunctions.

What if our child doesn’t have any symptoms?

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The importance of a healthy spine and nervous system is paramount for your child’s future. Symptoms are always the last thing to show, and the first thing to go away; the same way you can have a cavity without any toothache, your child may have asymptomatic misalignments. Prevention is the best line of defense with regards to health. Regular chiropractic care in both children and adults have shown to help with improving immune system. Call 949.922.3465 to see if your child qualifies for a free spinal screening.

Is chiropractic care safe for children?

Proper adjustment provided by a chiropractor who is well trained and specializes in pediatric care is both safe and effective.

The best time to get your spine checked is when you’re an infant. If you have children, bring them in for a free spinal screening. Call us at 949.922.3465 to make an appointment.