Archive for July, 2009

The answer is reflective of what you think about stretching. For example, I think of stretching as a tool to help me exercise. It can increase the blood flow in my resting muscles  5X. A muscle with good blood flow is less likely to get injured than a cold muscle. Performance is enhanced with a “warm muscle”(one with increased blood flow). So, I stretch before exercise to improve performance and decrease the chance of injury. I also stretch after exercise to squeeze out lactic acid, and by-products of the muscle breakdown to decrease soreness.

However, if you think of stretching itself as the goal, then you change the order. If flexibility is the whole enchilada for you then warm up the muscle by exercise then go to the stretching routine. A warm muscle is now more pliable than it was cold. The only down side is you have passed the most likely time for injury: exercise with a muscle that might not be ready.

Stretching can increase lymphatic movement, keep you from injury and fight arthritis. I give most of my patients stretches to help them recover from their conditions. I am convinced stretching is beneficial to your health.

Whatever method, set a goal and stretch for it!

See article on stretching techniques,too!

Do you find yourself sleepy after meals, having poor concentration, urinating frequently- day and night,… you may be having trouble with your blood sugar. Your pancreas is the organ that responds to the sugar you ingest. If you eat mostly breads, pasta, rice , potato, even corn, peas or carrots, they are high in carbohydrates. “Carbs” are the simple energy producers in our diet. There are complex(good) carbs and simple (not as good) They are the easiest energy we can eat. Unfortunately, these energy resources are hard on the pancreas. With time the pancreas response can become altered or ineffective. That leaves the sugar in the blood and not getting to the muscles and nerves -where it needs to go. So , you are left with an energy problem: you eat enough to function but you cannot get going  due to overwhelming fatigue.

I use the “four C’s” to help with blood sugar trouble.

First- carb modification. Lowering your simple carb intake is essential.

Second-Calorie burning . Exercise helps use up extra blood sugar that is hanging around. It also has a benefit in pushing sugar (glucose  is its name at this point) into the tissues.

Third- There are some nutrients which assist the pancreas in it’s function. Chromium and cinnamon are two of the major ones we use. We will help you in the dosage.

Fourth and finally, Chiropractic adjusting at the level which controls the pancreas may help normalize your sugar response. It is very comfortableto do. Many people with this issue discover they have had a “tender point ” at the area anyway. (It is centered between the shoulder blades! )

Want that old energy back? Come in and find out how we can get you up and going again!

Omega 3 is a common supplement used these days. It has many properties which can be beneficial. It is terrific as an anti-inflammatory. Especially good for joints, it may control the inflammation associated with trauma and even arthritic swelling. It is important to understand that inflammation is a big chemical reaction. You can effect it at many places along its course.  For example, Omega3 can  reduce heart arrythmias (pvc’s specifically), it can reduce blood pressure, and it is great at reducing the inflammation around the valves and myocytes (muscle cells of the heart). It actually blocks some of the thromboxanes and prostacyclins (nasty chemicals of the inflammatory cascade).In the vessels of the body, it can stabilize sclerotic plaques (cholesterol deposits in the wall). In the joints, it can stop the same type of chemicals that occur with wear and tear or arthritis.