It's Back to School Time!

Much to the delight of many parents.
It is ALSO the season for high school football, girls tennis, golf, water polo, cross country, cheer leading, marching band, and the list goes on...We treat may children and teenagers all year long but especially at the "Back to School" time.  With sports, backpacks and those "wonderful" chairs at school, back and neck problems can develop:  Sometimes even headaches can occur from computer time or reading a lot.
Give us a call if anything comes up with your  "Back to Schooler!"

Scoliosis

This condition is common in name to most people, however, most do not know what it actually is.

By definition; scoliosis is a complicated deformity of the spine with both rotational and lateral movements.  The two basic classifications of scoliosis are Structural and Nonstructural.  In general, that means: a bone/spine deformity causing scoliosis, or a muscle imbalance.  A very common cause of scoliosis, and often over looked by many physicians, is a compensatory scoliosis that occurs due to leg length discrepancy.  Something as simple as a dropped or fallen arch on one foot, or a leg fracture during your growing years can create a "short leg" on one side.  Thus the compensatory scoliosis due to your body compensating for the difference.  Today's children, with their busy lifestyles, sports, backpacks, etc... should all be evaluated for scoliosis.  Many times the condition can be corrected fairly easily.  
To discuss this topic further, schedule a free consultation for your child today.

Kids and Chiropractic

Should you have your children get a chiropractic spinal evaluation?  YES!  Every single one of them.

Making sure that your children are developing normally, with good spinal bio mechanics is an aspect of health that should not be neglected.  Today’s young people live in a much different world with a very different lifestyle than most of us adults lived.  The good news is that growing people usually need much less treatment, if any, as compared to adults.  They have yet to endure car accidents, work injuries, and the repetitive stresses of everyday life we adults have experienced.  I treat many young people that play year round sports and are frequently pushed to their physical limits.  This is especially concerning during “growth spurts,” as their body size changes, their muscle development and coordinated body movements are forced to catch up, balanced or not.  These times are especially important to get a spinal check-up. 

This summer, while school is out, is a great time to bring the kids in.  Just give us a call to set up their spinal check-up today!

Its Graduation Time!

Its graduation time!  (I specifically refer to high school graduation.)  It hardly seems possible that mine was 35 years ago this June.  Wow!  I was a very focused student and thank goodness I knew exactly what career path to take.  Unlike a lot of today's youth, I knew that I wanted to be a Certified Public Accountant, a C.P.A.  But after 2 years at the local junior college and part time work with a C.P.A., that all changed. I still love math and I have the utmost respect for my C.P.A., but my heart was not in it for a life long career.  So then I was a bit directionless for a couple of years.  I worked in a factory, a creamery actually, and became a state licensed milk pasteurizer.  I learned to make ice cream, sour cream, yogurt and milk varieties for Ralph's grocery company.  I liked my job, it had good pay and medical benefits.  However, when I received a college graduation announcement from a high school friend, I knew I wanted to do more.  At that time I knew I wanted to be a dentist.  I went back to college and enrolled in pre-med classes and I continued to work full time.  Somewhere in there entered Dr. Anderson, a chiropractor, that treated my lower back.  One visit he simply asked if I had ever thought about becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic?  Then he invited me to schedule an afternoon to follow him while he treated patients, which I did. 

This simple gesture to a young man, searching for a rewarding career, changed my life.  I have had the good fortune to make that same offer to various patients and friends.  I truly believe in the value of Chiropractic and the role Chiropractic plays in a healthier world.  I know I would not be where I am without the kindness afforded to me by Dr. Anderson, who passed away many years ago.  If you or someone you care about is considering a health care career and would like to visit my office I would consider it a privilege to be of help. 

Got Elbow Pain?

"Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer's Elbow" 

Did you know you can suffer from these conditions and not play either sport??? 

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) is a pain on the outside of your elbow, and often occurs with tennis play.  However, overuse of the forearm; like using your computer mouse hour after hour can cause this "Tendonitis" and pain. 

Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) is the pain on the inside area of the elbow.  This occurs more often with repetitive lifting. 

Both conditions can linger for months if left untreated.  Rest, Ice, and Biofreeze Lotion can help reduce pain.  In our office we also use a Cold Laser Therapy on the area and have had excellent success.  Let us know if you suffer from elbow pain, maybe we can help! 

How does having a sense of “well being” affect your health? And your quality of life?

          Recent studies have focused on how each of us perceives our “Quality of Life” and our overall healthiness.  Does our health affect our quality of life?  Of course it does.  Poor health can shorten and end our life.  But can our sense of “Well-Being” positively affect our health and actually make us healthier?  YES!  It is the old question of mind over matter, the power of positive thinking and looking on the bright side.  As it happens, it works! 

The defined elements of well-being are:

·Having supportive relationships (Maybe the most important factor)

·Positive thoughts, emotions and moods

·Being satisfied with life

·Being optimistic and having good self esteem

·Income correlates only modestly with well-being.  In general, associations between income and well-being are stronger for those at lower economic levels (In developed countries)  

Some of the benefits of a strong sense of well-being are:

·50% less likely to be admitted to a hospital or visit an emergency room

·Much less likely to spend money on medications and overall healthcare (About 60%)

·50% less likely to have a heart attack

These studies shed light on factors that can affect the overall health of our aging population and help reduce healthcare costs through mental enlightenment.  When basic necessities are met, the cost of healthcare decreases.  Moreover, when mental health brings about positive attitudes, the savings become greater. 

X-ray Technology Advances

Last Saturday, Dr. Myren attended a seminar discussing the latest advancements in diagnostic imaging. (It was better than it sounds). 
The focus was mainly on spinal, back and neck conditions (MRI's, CAT scans, and "regular" X-rays).
The interesting points were how new technology, specifically computers, have enhanced the quality of the images produced;  Similar to how digital cameras can produce pictures that can be enhanced and manipulated.  Also exciting is the steady decline in the cost of the equipment needed.  Just like our home computers and phones, over time, we get better technology at a cheaper cost. 
Earlier detection of various conditions through better imaging will improve treatment outcomes and save lives.  That's NEAT!

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis (Heel/Foot Pain)

This is a common ailment for runners, but anyone can develop Plantar Fasciitis.  The first signs and symptoms are usually foot pain with difficulty walking when getting out of bed in the morning.  The pain resolves after walking around a little.  Plantar Fasciitis pain results from excessive tension of the foot connective tissue (the fascia).  Chronic foot and heel pain can cause the development of heel bone spurs, not good! 

Chiropractic adjustments to the foot and ankle can help restore proper foot mechanics.  Also the use of ice, stretching and shoe cushion inserts help to reduce and relieve pains.  Ignoring the problem is not the answer, take control and feel better. 

"The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art" -Leonardo Da Vinci

We are working for YOU!

We recently signed the staff up for a continuing education seminar:  In May, we will be attending the Parker Seminar being held in San Diego.  As we are all excited to learn what is new and exciting in the world of Chiropractic we found it extra interesting that Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, president of Parker University in Dallas, Texas will be on the Dr. Phil Show this week speaking about a new initiative that Parker University and Dr. Fabrizio Mancini have launched in 2012 to bring the chiropractic message to prospective patients that have not realized the benefits of chiropractic care.  Tune in for more information!

How is GOOD SLEEP, or lack of, Effecting YOU!

Some recent sleep studies reveal how sleep effects our overall health.
Ironically, most people are not good at judging how well they actually sleep and how they perform with poor sleep.
On average, adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night to feel fully rested and to function at their mental or physical best. Interestingly, newborns sleep 18 hours per day.
Why do we need sleep?

1. Time for physical restoration and healing.
2. Memory consolidation; the brain creates room for new data.

Tips for a good nights sleep!

• Set regular bed times and wake-up times
• Room should be dark, cool and quiet
• Do NOT read, text, phone, watch, tv in bed
• No exercise within 3 hours of bedtime
• Put cell phone on "Silent"
• Naps during the day are good

A poor nights sleep can cause:

• Impaired decision making and memory
• Decreased appetite control (You are hungrier)
• Mood Swings and Depression
• Lowered metabolism
• Lowered pain threshold causing more symptoms and increased blood pressure