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Making Healthy Choices

November 8th, 2009 by Dr. Jason Fowler

Being an informed patient is an empowering concept.1 In the modern healthcare marketplace, the doctor-patient relationship has become a two-way street. It is no longer a situation in which the doctor tells the patient what to do. Today, patients can be full partners in managing their care and well-being.2

What does it take to be an informed patient? An informed patient is one who can participate in a meaningful way and not be merely the passive recipient of the doctor’s instructions and recommendations.

The first key is to identify a doctor - a chiropractor or family physician, depending on the circumstances - in whom you have confidence. Here are a few essential points to consider:

The doctor has spent time with you on the first visit. The doctor has focused on you, and has not been distracted by all the other things happening in the office. The doctor has satisfactorily answered all your questions. The doctor’s recommendations are clear, and you understand what the next steps are going to be.

The questions you ask are not just to keep talking and capture more of the doctor’s time spent with you. An informed patient does some preparation before the actual office visit. The Internet offers a lot of valuable information on both chiropractic and medical treatment. And, it’s important to remember that not all information is accurate and authoritative - consider the source of the “information”.

You should consider the author’s background and affiliations. Consider the potential for bias. Is the site itself up-to-date - for example, are there “dead links” on the site.

Do your best to evaluate your doctor’s recommendations. First, what are the expected results? How quickly should you begin to feel better? Are there potential side-effects of the recommended treatment? What are the alternatives?

Alternatives may include other forms of therapy within the doctor’s office. It may also include consultation with another specialist. The main point is not to be left with a confusing array of choices, but to have enough information to go forward with a treatment plan that makes the most sense, both to your doctor and to you.

If a prescription is involved, make sure you write down the exact spelling of the medication and the exact dosage and frequency. Prescriptions are usually scribbled, and both doctors and pharmacists can make a mistake. Don’t let your doctor simply hand you an illegible piece of paper. Insist on ensuring that you understand what is being prescribed, and be sure to ask your doctor about potential side effects, risks, and interactions with any other medicines you may be taking.

As in all your relationships, the doctor-patient relationship is based on clear communication and mutual trust and understanding. You can help your doctor help you by being informed and participating in the decision-making process.

1Informed Consent. “Ethics in Medicine”. University of Washington School of Medicine. http://depts.washington.edu/bioethx/topics/consent.html#ques1 2″Be an active healthcare consumer”. Agency for Healthcard Research and Quality. http://www.ahrq.gov/path/beactive.htm

For additional information on wellness feel free to contactDr. Jason Fowler www.lakestlouisdc.com

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Eat Five To Stay Alive

November 6th, 2009 by Dr. Jason Fowler

It is the rare child who actually wants to eat fruits and vegetables. Kids are bombarded by television and radio ads for cereals, candy, and chips that contain huge amounts of sugar and large quantities of saturated fat. The sugar craving begins in childhood - kids quickly develop a taste for sweets. To a child’s sugar-sensitized palette, the complex sugars contained in fruits and vegetables are a poor substitute.

We carry these habits into adulthood and our long-term health suffers as a result. Twenty-four hours is not enough time in the day for most of us, and many consistently choose fast foods as a means of satisfying our need for food and a method for limiting the amount of precious time we spend on meal preparation.

But fast foods are not really food in the sense that the nutrition they provide is minimal. Fast foods are essentially empty calories.

In the 1950s and 1960s a well-known health-related slogan was “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. This advice represented ancient folk wisdom. Today, decades of research has shown that apples - and all fruits and vegetables - have remarkable health-promoting and disease-fighting properties.

Most fruits and vegetables are packed with magical biochemicals called phytochemicals - “phyto” means plant. Phytochemicals give fruits and vegetables their color, so the more colorful a food, the more phytochemicals it contains.

Ongoing research studies show that phytochemicals, of which there are thousands of varieties, provide protection against the development of many chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis.1,2

Many phytochemicals are antioxidants and neutralize free radicals in human cells. Others have anti-inflammatory properties, and these help slow the aging process.

Fruits and vegetables are so important for our health and well-being that many national organizations have promoted the “five to stay alive rule” - the recommendation is to eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables each day.3

Portions could include any of these - an apple, an orange, a banana, a cup of grapes, a cup of blueberries, a yam, a couple of carrots, a couple of tomatoes, and a couple of tablespoons of broccoli.

For many of us, “five to stay alive” would be a radical departure from our old habits. It might take a little effort to develop new shopping and eating habits, but once you are in the groove it’s likely you’ll be feeling so much better you’ll wonder why you didn’t start this healthy-eating plan sooner.

Your chiropractor is an expert on nutritional health and will be glad to help you create a food plan that works for you and your family.

1de Kok TM, et al: Mechanisms of combined action of different chemopreventive dietary compounds: a review. Eur J Nutr 47(Suppl 2):59-59, 2008 2Ware WR: Nutrition and the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer: Association of Cytochrome P450 CYP1B1 With the Role of Fruit and Fruit Extracts. Integr Cancer Ther December 2008 3Liu RH: Potential synergy of phytochemicals in cancer prevention: mechanism of action. J Nutr 134(Suppl 12):3479S-3485S, 2004

For additional information on nutrition feel free tocontact Dr. Jason Fowler at www.lakestlouisdc.com

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How Do I Get Rid Of A Hangover Quickly?

November 5th, 2009 by Trevor Johnson

There can be few people who drink alcohol that have never experienced a hangover. The familiar pounding head and the nausea that can accompany hangovers can be bad enough to make you declare that you will never drink alcohol again!! How do I get rid of a hangover is a familiar cry!

That one last drink before I go home, that seemed a better option than going home to bed, you will rue the following day!! When your stomachs turning over at the thought of food and even your eyeballs seem painful. It’s time to put the sunglasses on, even if it’s dark outside and mid-winter. And find the ice pack to quell the pain.

Drinking plenty of water before you go to bed will go a long way to limiting how bad you feel in the morning. Even better to try to drink the same amount of water when you are out as you do alcohol.

Making sure you eat a meal rather than having a snack will help to line the stomach and lessen the effects of over consumption. A meal that contains a lot of carbohydrates is one of the best things to have.

Whilst the idea of eating anything, let alone a greasy breakfast is enough to make you sick, it is the best thing for you. Bacon in particular is very good at easing the hangover as it is so salty it will balance your salt levels.

If you cannot face eating a fry up, then eating little and often to help settle the stomach. Drinking energy drinks that contains good balances of salts and energy giving fluids will aid the hangover quickly.

Ensure that you continue to drink water or juice as the day progresses to make sure you do not dehydrate further. Having diarrhea or vomiting after drinking will contribute to the dehydration that your body experiences and it is this that gives the hungover effect.

Do not take painkillers immediately on getting home after a night out, instead sleep it off and take them first thing in the morning. It is never wise to mix alcohol with medicine.

Find more help to get rid of a hangover with this simple, effective hypnosis hangover remedy.

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Obesity and Diabetes

November 4th, 2009 by Dr. Jason Fowler

Like Scylla and Charybdis, the twin sea monsters of Greek mythology, diabetes and obesity are the twin medical monsters confronting America’s children. Diabetes and obesity have even been featured as the story line in a recent episode of Law … Order, a show well-known for focusing on issues that matter.

What’s going on? Diabetes and obesity are twin raging epidemics endangering the health and welfare of our nation’s young people. In New York City, by the age of 4, there is a one in three chance that the child will be obese. More than 40% of children are at an unhealthy weight at ages 2 and 3.1 National statistics are similar.

Type II diabetes, long known as “adult-onset diabetes”, is now being recognized as a significant juvenile disorder. Up to 45% of the children diagnosed with diabetes have the type II form.2 And the numbers keep increasing.

Type II diabetes and obesity are closely related - being overweight is one of the two major risk factors for developing type II diabetes. The other major risk factor, not surprisingly, is lack of exercise - not being physically active.

Why be concerned? Both diabetes and obesity contribute to additional severe health issues. Obesity is the leading cause of pediatric high blood pressure and increases the risk of coronary heart disease. Uncontrolled diabetes, over time, can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, neurologic disorders, and blindness.

We are very concerned for our children’s well-being. The good news - and it is very good news - is both conditions are lifestyle-related. Bad diet and lack of exercise cause both conditions. This is well-known. It is also well-known that maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise prevents obesity and prevents or delays type II diabetes.3,4

As parents, it is up to us to set the standards. If we’re eating healthy, balanced meals, our kids will do the same. If we exercise regularly and keep ourselves fit and trim, our kids will exercise regularly, too.

1″Child obesity picture grim among New York City poor”, The New York Times, April 6, 2006.

2Fagot-Campagna A: Emergence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children: Epidemiological evidence. Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism 13(Suppl 6): S1395-S1402, 2000.

3Hamman RF, et al: Effect of weight loss with lifestyle intervention on risk of diabetes. Diabetes Care 29:2102-2107, 2006.

4Knowler WC, et al: Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. New England Journal of Medicine 346(6):393-403, 2002.

For additional information on health please contact Dr. Jason Fowler Dr. Jason Fowler

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Erasing Migraines

November 1st, 2009 by Dr. Jason Fowler

Stress, sleep deprivation and fatigue have been no small component of Dr. Michael Benson’s life. As a fetal surgeon, Dr. Benson is often up for 24- to 36-hour stretches at a time looking after patients. He has little time to rest or eat regular, healthy meals. It’s no wonder he has suffered from migraines for years.

Benson is not alone. It’s estimated that 28 million Americans suffer from migraines. As anyone who experiences these intense headaches can tell you, they can be extremely debilitating. Acute pain, possible visual disturbances and nausea, as well as sensitivity to light, sounds and odors can render a person incapable of going about everyday responsibilities, much less performing complicated tasks like surgery.

In order to cope, Dr. Benson has used Ibuprofen and heat to manage the pain, but sometimes it doesn’t work. “I used to keep a preloaded syringe of Toradol [a strong, anti-inflammatory pain reliever] in my medicine chest,” he admits, “because once my headaches get really bad, I get nauseated and can’t take anything by mouth. It saved having to go to the ER.”

Having trained as an M.D., Benson confessed that chiropractic treatment wasn’t in his knowledgebase or on his immediate list of pain-relieving measures. In fact, if he had not been visiting his brother, a doctor of chiropractic, when a bad migraine hit, he may never have received chiropractic care. “The Ibuprofen didn’t work, so my brother offered to examine me and adjust my neck,” he says. “When you’re in pain, you’re willing to try anything.” Within 10 to 15 minutes of the adjustment, his migraine had disappeared.

It’s likely that Benson’s body reacts to stress by tensing muscles around the cervical joints in the neck, causing nerves in his neck to become impinged and triggering his migraines. Chiropractic adjustment alleviates this pain by relaxing muscles and promoting a full range of motion in the neck, allowing the headache to subside. And Benson’s positive experience isn’t uncommon. Recent studies at Duke University found that spinal manipulation was almost always immediately effective in relieving headaches originating in the neck and provided longer-lasting relief than commonly prescribed pain medications.

Benson’s migraines probably won’t go away completely without substantial lifestyle changes- changes that could be tough to implement with his profession. Once migraines are an established pattern, they are very difficult to get rid of, explains his brother. But he can work to minimize them with chiropractic care- a solution that doesn’t carry the potential side-effects of over-the-counter and prescription pain medication. Whenever a potentially incapacitating migraine hits and Benson gets an adjustment from his brother, “It always works,” he says.

For more information on health and wellness please contact Dr. Jason Fowler www.lakestlouisdc.com

categories: O’ Fallon Chiropractor,Wentzville chiropractor,lake Saint Louis chiropractor,back pain specialist,headache specialist,chiropractor,chiropractic,low back pain,headaches,nutrition,Lake Saint Louis,Wentzville,O’ Fallon,Fitness

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How To Deal With Arthritis

October 31st, 2009 by Dr. Jason Fowler

We’ve all seen the TV ads ” nice-looking woman in her fifties, sitting on a nice sofa in a nice living room, rubbing her hands, in obvious pain. Of course, she is not Lady Macbeth, trying to rub off the imagined blood of her murdered husband. She’s a woman with arthritis.

According to the Center for Disease Control, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States.1 Approximately 47 million people have doctor diagnosed arthritis and 17 million have arthritis-attributable activity limitations.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form, is a degenerative condition affecting the joints and the soft tissues around the joints and the associated cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. The most commonly affected areas are the spine, the hands, and the shoulders, hips, and knees. The pain of arthritis, the reduced mobility, and the lifestyle accommodations needed for pain avoidance are discouraging and may even lead to depression.

Many anti-inflammatory drugs are available for the treatment of arthritis, and in recent years many of these have been found to cause severe side effects. Vioxx is the most notorious of these ” cardiovascular complications caused a worldwide recall of the drug. Celebrex, another well-known arthritis medication, was also found to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke at high doses.

The very good news is there are several wellness-based treatment alternatives to taking long-term medication. These include exercise, diet, and in many cases, chiropractic treatment.

Exercise is critical in restoring mobility and, over time, in reducing pain.2,3 Persons with osteoarthritis often experience a vicious cycle of deteriorating symptoms. Pain causes reduced mobility (pain avoidance), which (paradoxically) actually causes more pain, which causes further reductions of mobility . . . . Activities of daily living ” getting out of a chair, opening a jar, bending and lifting ” become a real challenge as the person struggles to avoid further pain.

So, restoring mobility is key. Exercise ” very gently at first ” is the answer. Range-of-motion activities to get the joints moving again are very beneficial, including Arm circles Wrist circles Shoulder shrugs Side-to-side bending for the lower back Gentle knee bends Ankle circles Flexing and pointing the feet

Walking is a perfect exercise for treatment of arthritis. Begin by walking one block, then two, then around the block. Walk five minutes daily for a week, then increase by a minute or two each day. Get up to 15 minutes of gentle walking, then begin to gradually increase your pace. This increased mobility will not only reduce pain, but also provide a cardiovascular benefit and improve one’s ability to perform activities of daily living.

Chiropractic treatment, in combination with an exercise program, can assist in restoring joint mobility and reducing pain. Gentle chiropractic manipulative therapy is designed to improve mobility of spinal joints. As spinal joint motion improves, pain lessens, and a positive cycle of return-to-function begins.

“Prevalence of Doctor-Diagnosed Arthritis and Arthritis-Attributable Activity Limitation.” CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 55(40);1089-1092, 2006. 2Huang MH, et al: A comparison of various therapeutic exercises on the functional status of patients with knee osteoarthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 32(6):398-406, 2003. 3Suomi R, Collier, D: Effects of arthritis exercise programs on functional fitness and perceived activities of daily living measures in older adults with arthritis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 84(11):1589-94, 2003.

For more information on health feel free to contact Dr. Fowler Dr. Jason Fowlerat www.lakestlouisdc.comwww.lakestlouisdc.com

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Are Today’s Fashions Going To Be Tomorrow’s Pain?

October 26th, 2009 by Dr. Jason Fowler

Looking your best might not always be the best thing for you. Our society is extremely fashion and style conscious. Unfortunately, clothing designers and stylists aim to please by creating unique looks that might not always be practical or even comfortable.

The look of the season shows runway models in high platform heels and tight skirts or pants. Models have perfected the runway “walk,” but the popular looks and accessories are frequently impractical and could create leg, back, and spine or neck problems. “Sometimes I see a woman walking down the street with high heels and a two-ton bag, and I want to stop her and make her aware of what she is doing to her body,” said ACA national spokesperson, Dr. Jerome McAndrews.

Women generally wear high heels to complement an outfit, not for comfort, but some might not realize that these shoes can cause serious discomfort in the feet and can also exacerbate back pain. High heels alter the balanced position of a person’s body. When a woman wears high heels, a new dynamic equilibrium occurs. Dr. McAndrews compared the musculoskeletal system to a mobile, hanging in dynamic equilibrium, each part balancing the other. If one part becomes ‘fixed,’ the whole system will compensate with a movement or restriction. Essentially, wearing high heels for any length of time increases the normal forward curve of the back and causes the pelvis to tip forward. This alters the normal configuration of the pelvis and spine necessary for the body to maintain a center of gravity.

“The legs are the foundation of the musculoskeletal system, and a person standing flat-footed or bare-footed would be completely balanced,” said Dr. McAndrews. “While standing, the hamstrings are taut and both parts of the pelvis are stabilized so that the support is normal. By bringing the heel up, you encourage the shortness of the hamstring muscles.”

Women and men alike fall into the fashion trap. Women, more than men, tend to wear clothes that are too tight. Stylish tight tube skirts and tight pants can be attractive, but are often too restrictive. Clothes that are too tight throw a person off-balance, and simple everyday tasks such as bending, sitting and walking become difficult. “Tight clothes restrict a person from moving comfortably, resulting in poor posture and misalignment of the spine,” said Dr. McAndrews.

Another unhealthy fashion statement is the use of heavy purses, backpacks and handbags. Women and men tend to carry too many items in one bag, or briefcase, and are often not aware of the potential health risks associated with toting an excessive amount of “stuff.” Carrying a bag with detectable weight-more than 10 percent of your body weight-can cause improper balance. When hiked over one shoulder, it interferes with the natural movement of the upper and lower body. “The person carrying the bag will hike one shoulder to subconsciously guard against the weight, holding the other shoulder immobile,” said Dr. McAndrews. “This results in the unnatural counterbalance movement of one shoulder and little control over the movements of the arms and legs. Even worse, the spine curves toward the shoulder.”

More and more people carry their credit cards, ATM cards and personal identification in the back pocket of their pants. This may be a convenient way of carrying the necessary items with you each day, but carrying your wallet in the back pocket of your pants can cause discomfort. Dr. McAndrews suggested men and women remove their wallets or other items before sitting for long periods of time. “Sitting on your wallet or card holder for the entire day will create a pocket in the muscle lying underneath the wallet, and whether your pants are tight or loose-fitting, this can result in discomfort or pain.”

In our society, it might be important to you to look fashionable, but it is more important to choose clothes, shoes and bags that are comfortable and that suit your style. By following and remembering these simple steps, it is possible to look and feel your best.

Choose comfortable shoes. If you must wear high heels, bring a pair of flat shoes along with you to change into should you become uncomfortable. If you walk to work, wear flat shoes and change into your more fashionable shoes when you arrive to alleviate any pain or discomfort. If the shoe is uncomfortable while standing, chances are it will not be any more comfortable while walking. The wrong shoe can affect the body’s center of gravity. Choose supportive shoes. Designer spikes or non-supportive loafers may look nice but do not allow for easy, symmetrical walking. While sitting, whether or not you are wearing heels, it is important to take frequent stretch breaks to alleviate atrophy of the hamstring muscles. Try to avoid excessive wear of tight pants or clothing. If you prefer tighter clothes, choose styles that allow you to perform daily tasks with ease. Select a briefcase or purse with a wide adjustable strap. Ideally, the strap should be long enough to place over the head. This evenly distributes the bulk of the weight across the body. When carrying a bag, or briefcase, switch sides frequently to avoid placing the burden of the weight on one side of your body. Take the time to empty unnecessary items from your bag. Place all necessary items-such as wallets and cellular phones-in the front pockets of the bag. Stretching around to reach for your wallet can result in a pulled neck or back. If you are driving or sitting for long periods of time, remove your wallet or card holder from the back pocket of your pants. Think about your daily tasks. If your clothes affect your movements, consider outfits that fit your lifestyle. Designers and stylists tend to be more concerned about the way something looks rather than the way it feels. Listen to your body. One of the most important aspects of being in style and looking your best is to maintain healthy judgement. By following simple suggestions, being fashionable can be comfortable.

For more information on health feel free to contact Dr. FowlerDr. Jason Fowler at www.lakestlouisdc.comwww.lakestlouisdc.com

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Best Hypertension Review: Natural Cure Available

October 18th, 2009 by Angela Richards

While many cardio related diseases and heart related deaths can be prevented by early diagnosis of Hypertension, many of patients are not aware of the condition. Therefore, it is essential to monitor blood pressure on a daily basis and manage it by taking medicine or holistic solutions.

Taking medication is vital for people with acute versions of hypertension. On the other hand, almost all type of HBP medications are associated with side effects such as constipation, asthma, dizziness, kidney damage etc. Therefore, one should seek natural remedy to prevent their blood pressure from spiking up.

Yale University School of Medicine careful research reviewed benefits of green tea and declared so called “Asian paradox”. Study showed that drinking few cups of green tea daily can reduce high blood pressure symptoms as well as preventing blood platelets from sticking together . Green tea is a rich source of catechin which minimizes the risk of stroke, cancer, diabetes and heart failure. It is not recommended to drink green tea if you suffer from insomnia or undergoing bortezomib treatment.

Garlic acts as blood thinner and anti-inflammatory agent. Based on research garlic reduces spasms of the small arteries and lowers systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.Almost all naturopathic doctors suggest to consume as much garlic and onions as it is possible. However, if you are allergic to allium plants family consuming garlic is not recommended.

Exercise is very important in maintaining the blood pressure. Consult kinesiologist and physician to create a routine exercise suitable for you.

Avoid: Increase stress levels can be related to rapid fluctuation in blood pressure. Strive to keep tranquil state of mind in stressful situations by taking deep breaths.

Cholesterol is a vital steroid that all animals need to keep membranes healthy. However, too much of “bad” cholesterol will cause damage to arteries and elevate blood pressure. Therefore, avoid eating animal by-product foods, fried and fast foods. It is clinically proven that lowering cholesterol intake will block up to 200 mg of cholesterol a day.

* Consume less salt and sugar

Smoking and intense alcohol consumption are also connected to elevating blood pressure.

While many of us with hypertension are looking for natural cures, there are variety of resources available that may help us with this information.

Before you try any natural treatments for High Blood Pressure, make sure to read an excellent review on Accessible Remedies.

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Are Headache Clinics Available?

October 16th, 2009 by Angela Jones

Headaches are very common amongst individuals of all ages in both men and women. Sometimes these headaches may be severe and might even take place frequently for long periods of time. The headache might be a ache all over the head or a throbbing pain at one particular point. In some situations, these headaches can be unbearable to such an amount that you cannot carry out your occupation.

So, where do you go to get relief from your headaches? Over- the-counter prescriptions may not always be successful and you may not even be able to recognize the source of your headache. Where then, do you go, find out what the problem is?

The answer is a headache clinic.

Headache clinics can be located all over the country, sometimes as independent clinics and often at various major hospitals. Headache clinics are well-equipped with all that is required to deal with headaches. These clinics are run by specialists and neurologists, who are well-trained, so as to be able to identify the cause of the headache and start the required therapy for it.

There are several types of headaches varying in seriousness from cluster and migraine headaches to mild headaches. It is therefore imperative to see a professional as sometimes general practitioners may not be able to identify precisely what sort of headache you are suffering from. Independent headache clinics would tell you if you need special treatment or if you need to be hospitalized, often referring you to a specific hospital.

Headache clinics take in patients after a short appraisal of the history of your headaches, asking questions such as: how long you have been having them, the frequency of the headaches and what treatment, if any, you have acquired, and possibly other questions that may be relevant to understanding your headache better. These clinics also offer behavior therapy if required. Most headache clinics offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment.

Moreover, occasionally headaches can be a symptom of a more serious problem such as a brain tumor, and it is best if such cases are diagnosed at an early stage. Your primary care physician can refer you to a well-known headache clinic if you wish to receive specialist treatment for your headaches.

To attend a headache clinic, your headaches do not have to be frequent. Even the occasional, but excruciating headache may necessitate a call. You may require specialist treatment for your headache, so its best for you to see a consultant at one of these headache clinics as soon as convenient.

If you need to learn the cause of migraine, visit our website now for more info http://stopping-headaches.the-real-way.com

categories: headaches,migraines,men,women,frustration,moods,emotions,anger,mental health,depression,anxiety,self help,advice,other

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Conserving Your Energy

October 16th, 2009 by Dr. Jason Fowler

Renewability, sustainability, and energy conservation are all over the news. On every newspaper’s front page and on every television nightly news we can see programs featuring sustainability daily. These are important issues, not only for the health of our planet, but also for our physical health and well-being.

Our physical health depends on how we maximize our available energy resources - how we use our body’s stores of energy, how we replace and renew that energy, and how we practice conservation of our physical energy.

The interaction of all the elements of human physiology is exactly analogous to the interaction of ecosystems in the global ecology. It is an interesting and powerful comparison.

Energy resources in our body consist of nutrients obtained from food, oxygen, and stored energy in the form of sugars (glycogen) and fats. We gain energy by eating good food and balancing our nutritional choices from all the major food groups.1,2 We gain energy by having efficient and well-toned cardiovascular and respiratory systems. We gain energy by having strong muscles. And we gain energy by getting sufficient rest.

How we use these resources depends on instructions from the nerve system. Being able to use these resources efficiently depends on the underlying tone of our cells and tissues, which in turn depends on normal flow of information in our nerve system.

Hyperactive nerve systems and sluggish nerve systems - due to a variety of causes - create imbalances up and down the line.3 Systems perform abnormally. Your metabolism slows down or speeds up. You don’t digest your food properly. You use too many or too little resources for a given task, and the job doesn’t get done properly. Muscles get tight. Joints get stiff. You have pain. You get sick.

In these cases you are using more energy - due to inefficient systems - than you’re taking in. You’re not sustaining your resources, you’re depleting them. Sooner or later, your entire system will begin to breakdown. You have chronic pain, you’re tired all the time, you toss and turn when you should be sleeping, and you’re irritable during the day.

Your energy is not being renewed. Your body’s out of balance, physically and metaphorically.

Chiropractic treatment directly addresses these energy concerns. Chiropractic care is all about your energy management and conservation of resources. Gentle chiropractic treatment focuses on restoring balance to nerve systems, muscular systems, and physical structure. Energy begins to flow to where it’s needed most, chronic pain begins to resolve, and you begin to sleep more restfully. You have a greater focus and get done the things you want to get done during the day. Your relationships with family and friends are more enjoyable, and life itself becomes much more fun.

Your chiropractor - your energy conservation specialist - is an important natural resource for your well-being and your family’s well-being.

1Katona P, Katona-Apte J- The interaction between nutrition and infection. Clin Infect Dis 46(10):1582-1588, 2008 2UNESCO, Regional Office for Education in Asia and the Pacific: Population, nutrition, and health. Bull Unesco Reg Off Educ Asia Pac 23:260-268, 1982 3D’Melllo R, Dickenson AH: Spinal cord mechanisms of pain. Br J Anaesth April 15, 2008

For more information on health please contact Dr. FowlerDr. Jason Fowler at www.lakestlouisdc.comwww.lakestlouisdc.com

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