DO YOU BELIEVE IN GRAVITY?

I know that most of you are feeling better as a result of Chiropractic care,
but how many of you BELIEVE that you are actually "healthier" than you were
before you started working with Maximized Health Chiropractic?
Over the years I have heard several comments regarding belief in
chiropractic and its ability to improve an individual's overall health
potential. I want to make a very important clarification with regard to
ABILITY to BELIEVE in a healthier you.
First, knowing that you are healthier as a result of our joint efforts has
very little to do with your belief and or confidence in me as a Doctor,
Chiropractic as a profession, or the adjustment as a form of treatment.
Second, research tells us that people who become more educated, motivated
and proactive when it comes to health have a strong tendency to actually get
healthier. Imagine that!
Lastly, we are ever changing when it comes to health. That means that we
are either moving closer to health or closer to disease. A few things that
determine which direction we are going:
* How our body (posture, spine and nerve system) is aging and
operating.
* How well we eat and how much we exercise.
* How good our ergonomics or postural awareness is at work, home and
play.
* Our "need" or decision to use medications and surgery.
* And of course, our overall image of how our body works, i.e. how to
maintain health and prevent disease.
2 very important questions:
* Have you improved in any area mentioned above?
* If so, how can you not BELIEVE that you are healthier than you were
before we started?
The PRINCIPLE of Maximized Health Chiropractic is like gravity.
Fortunately, it does not require belief in order for it to work! By working
with Maximized Health Chiropractic you are working in accordance with the
fundamental laws of science, nature and God as they pertain to your health.
In other words, you are moving towards homeostasis and health, and away from
dysfunction and disease.
Stay the course, believe in yourself, and be thankful for this opportunity
to improve your health and your life!

Your Maximized Health Mentor,

Dr. Craig

Vitalism vs. Mechanism, Healing, and Belief Systems

All throughout God's word, we see people healed and overcoming their
circumstances through faith and/or by changing over to a godly lifestyle. As
a result we realize that human beings are far more then just merely $1.96
worth of raw materials and that what we sow into our bodies radically
affects the results we reap in them. Sadly, "modern" medical science doesn't
look at the spiritual part of our makeup or fully appreciate the impact that
lifestyle makes in our physical and emotional health. This philosophy views
your body as merely a frail biochemical robot controlled by genes and
predestined to either; fail or succeed, be happy or sad, be ill or be well.
While this type of health care can be of great benefit in extreme
circumstances, because it is not considerate of natural, God-given function-
there are always dangerous "side effects."

Different than medicine, new age dogma recognizes the spiritual truth that
life cannot be explained solely by materialism. The new age term "Vitalism"
is the metaphysical doctrine that living organisms posses a non-physical
inner force or energy that gives them the property of life. New agers also
acknowledge the important role of natural living in determining wellness.
Unfortunately, because Christ is not at the center of this thinking, they
place the power of healing in finite, limited things like people's energy,
natural remedies, and crystals rather then the infinite, unlimited power of
God.

The Bible shows us that you are not weak or pre-programmed, but vital and
powerful beyond what you can ever fully fathom. There is something
supernatural about you and your body that goes far beyond material DNA,
chemistry, biology, and physics. Your genetics are a tendency, not a death
sentence and in fact science shows us that only 2% of any conditions have to
do with a single gene disorder. Therefore we know, 98% of the time, you have
something to say about your future by how you believe and live your life. As
a Christian-based Doctor of Chiropractic, I know that the moment you fail to
give God the credit, you eliminate the true source of this vitality. Any
time you put the focus of health and healing in someone or something (MD's
and drugs) that comes from outside the body and away from God's working
power inside the body, you've missed the mark and consequences will occur.

Research on natural health as well as common sense tells us that when you
line up your lifestyle and the environment within your body with God's
natural intentions, well-being is the result. When there is harmony inside,
health is expressed outside. On the other hand, when disharmony exists, it
will show up as pain, depression, disease, and generally a failure to
thrive. Throughout history, it has been the tendency of people to turn
towards the outside as a means of treating the condition using drugs,
surgery, herbs, vitamins, idols, etc. However, these things don't bring back
order or establish health. While some may treat symptoms, patch dysfunction,
or supplement an inadequate diet, only God heals. It's His life power alone
that's keeping you alive.

For example; if paramedics arrive at the scene of an accident and find two
victims, one who is dead and one is barely hanging on, and then begin
surgically sealing all of the wounds, administering vitamin C, and pouring
massive amounts of medication down each of their throats - who's got the
only chance of making it? Obviously, barring resurrection, the one who is
hanging on is the only one with a chance because he still has the divine
spark of life given him by the Creator.

The example above is obvious in nature. A less obvious interpretation would
be situations that are not so black and white, life or death. In other
words, who will have the greatest chance of healing and becoming/staying as
healthy as possible? The one who does what it takes to ensure that their
life force / health / God-given potential is fully present, or the one who
does very little or nothing at all. Not so obvious a situation, but the
answer remains obvious!

Through Maximized Living, we understand that there is more to life than
physical law yet also distinguish between "Vitalism," man-made treatments
from the outside, and God-given intelligence from the inside. It really is a
"Body by God." As a Christian, I believe the modifications that need to be
encouraged are ones that allow the healing process to take place naturally
by respecting the normal way God created the body to function. When
adjustments are made to the body or nutrition and lifestyle changes are
utilized, it's not for the purpose of treating symptoms, but for restoring
balance and establishing or maintaining health. In this way, when health and
wellness prevail over sickness and despair, we glorify the natural law and
the innate wisdom inside every living being.

Health and vitality is the inherent consequence of living a natural
lifestyle that respects your body and falls into alignment with the ultimate
intent God has for your life. Remember, health and happiness is your choice
98% of the time.

Your Maximized Health Mentor,

Dr. Craig

Is Your Power On?

If a mechanic disassembled the parts of a car engine could he reassemble the
parts and the engine function again? If a computer technician came to your
house and disassembled your computer and reassembled the parts would it work
again? Most would answer yes, of course, based on the talent of the
technician.
What about your body? Do you believe that the top surgeon of the mayo clinic
could disassemble the parts of the body, reassemble all of your organs and
your body would re-animate itself into life?
The obvious answer is no. The more pertinent question would be why is it
possible that the unanimated parts of computers and a car engine can be
disassembled and reassembled and the mechanical device will function again
however, the human body cannot? It is simple and yet complex. What separates
the human body from a computer or a car is that the human body has this
mysterious something that creates life and causes it to function.
The Mysterious Power of Life
Some call this mysterious something universal intelligence, some call it
energy, and some are even willing to go out on a limb and call it God's
power. The fact is that this magnificent mysterious power causes the heart
to beat, hair to grow and food to digest. That same power also allows you to
read this article and interpret the information you are viewing on the page.
Researchers at Boston's Forsyth Institute and at Harvard University have
taken a big step toward explaining this mysterious something. When an embryo
consists of just four cells, they have found, an electric gradient starts
switching on genes. It's like a power switch is turned on that begins to
animate you to life.
The study of embryological development shows that the brain is the very
first organ to develop. The brain then sends creative power through the
spinal cord and nerves to create every cell and organ in your body. From
that moment on, that brain power flow continues to control all function and
healing in the body for the rest of that person's life. As a result, if
there is any interference or damage to the spinal cord and nervous system,
there will be an interruption with that life switching on power and your
organs will begin to malfunction.
Some Scientific Facts Behind the Spine:
1. While the body can go weeks without food, days without water and a
few minutes without air, it cannot survive for a second without nerve
(brain) supply. This is because the nerve supply is the literal life and
power supply.
2. The brain and the immune system talk to each other and this process
is essential for maintaining homeostasis (the balance of health).
3. The most extensive and physiologically most diverse component in the
efferent nervous system is the sympathetic nervous system, which sends axons
(nerves) to all parts of the body.
4. The primary and secondary lymphoid immune organs receive extensive
sympathetic/noradrenergic innervation (nerve supply), including: Thymus,
Spleen, Lymph Nodes, Tonsils, Bone Marrow and Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid
Tissues (gut, bronchus, nasal).
5. The sympathetic nervous system innervates (CONTROLS) all lymphoid
organs (immune function).
By finding a Doctor of Chiropractic who is trained in the full correction
and stabilization of the spine and nervous system, you not only remove pain,
you restore:
1. The full communication between the brain and immune system
2. Full function of the sympathetic nervous system, which plays a role
in controlling every part of the body
3. Immune organ activity, which includes maximum function of the lymph
nodes, thymus, spleen, tonsils, bone marrow and associated tissues
The spine is the lifeline of the entire body. Certain chiropractors are
trained to restore normal alignment and proper curvature to the whole spinal
column. Seek a Doctor of Chiropractic who is capable of X-raying your spine
and determining what it would take to create maximum correction.
This doctor should be able to not only adjust, but also give you
rehabilitative in-office and home care procedures so that the correction can
become more permanent. Following a course of care, this chiropractor must be
able to re-X-ray you and show you improvements in the alignment of your
spine as evidence that you are not only feeling well, you are getting well.
Following the corrective period, wellness care will be necessary to maintain
these corrections and keep you maximally healthy and feeling your best for
the rest of your life.
Chiropractors have spent over 100 years researching and showing that in
order for health to be restored, the brain and nerve power inside the body
must be free of interference. Chiropractors align the spine so that there is
no interference and the flow of power can regain control of your body. They
also align your lifestyle so that how you live is more in-line with
producing health.
Once your spinal cord and your lifestyle are in line, interference is
removed and the power that animated your body can heal your body.
In today's world, misalignment of the spine and nervous system is not only
common, it is epidemic. Whether you are sick and trying to get well, or well
and trying to stay that way, remember one thing... the power inside your
body that created your body, is the power that heals your body. You are not
doing all you can to get well and stay well if your power is not on! Look
around you this week. How many people do you think have their "power turned
on" and how many do not?
Happy Anniversary:
This week, Maximized Health Chiropractic is celebrating its 1-year
anniversary. I wanted to handout this article as a reminder to you and me
why we started this office, and why we created a place where people can
ACTUALLY get well and stay well! In short, I wanted to give us all a
healthy dose of mission, purpose, urgency, and commitment to building better
lives from the inside-out.
Your Maximized Health Mentor,

Dr. Craig

Immunity - Not For Sale!

Do you know how many people think that immunity (immune system function) can
be bought and sold in the form of vaccines or other man-made concoctions?
Too many people!
Think about this... All vaccines are immune depressing to some extent and
that is the trade-off we are risking. The medical thought is that we trade a
small immune depression for immunity to one disease. Now let me repeat, we
are trading a total immune system depression (our only defense against all
known disease - including millions of pathogens) for a temporary immunity
against one disease, usually an innocuous childhood disease. Therefore, the
trade is not at all fair.
The trade-off is not worth the risk. We are risking getting many more
diseases than we are "preventing" from getting. Another good example is the
ritual of the yearly flu shot. There may be only two or three varieties of
flu viruses in each shot, hence the names "Asian-Flu", "Japanese-Flu"
"Indian-Flu" or "Swine-Flu". But there are literally thousands, maybe
millions of flu-causing viruses. Taking one or two does not make sense and
many people report getting the flu after taking a flu shot. We do not know
which variety of flu will affect us each year and in each locale. Therefore,
the best method to avoid the flu is to strengthen our immune system
naturally, from the inside-out.
Vaccinations depress our body's immune functions and that keeps us open to
developing many other diseases. It is very childish to think that we are
going to take one flu vaccine and never get sick from the many varieties of
flu that exist, especially since viruses can mutate so fast when the
conditions arise. Keeping up with these fast mutating viruses can only be
done by priming and strengthening our immune system with healthy living
strategies like those we teach here at Maximized Health Chiropractic. In
other words, pathogenic viruses will not grow where the conditions will not
allow it. It is the terrain which dictates our health and not the
germs/viruses themselves. Germs are pleiomorphic, meaning that they can
change with their environment. Thinking that germs cause disease means that
we are not responsible for our own health and we place that responsibility
in the hands of some one who has the means to kill these germs with toxic
chemicals (drugs), even if those drugs/vaccines harm our body. Vaccines
prevent health! The principles we teach in this office are designed to
Maximize Your Health!
Some interesting statistics... be sure to note the source/reference for this
information:
A 1992 study published in The American Journal of Epidemiology shows that
children die at a rate 8 times greater than normal within three days after
getting a DPT vaccination.
A preliminary study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found children
who received the HiB vaccine ... were found to be 5 times more likely to
contract the disease than children who had not received the vaccine.
In the New England Journal of Medicine July 1994 issue a study found that
over 80% of children under 5 years of age who had contracted whooping cough
had been fully vaccinated.
In 1977 Dr. Jonas Salk (inventor of the Salk polio vaccine) testified with
other scientists that 87% of the polio cases which occurred in the US since
1970 were the by-product of the polio vaccine.
The Sabin oral polio vaccine (OPV) is the only known cause of polio in the
US today.
The February 1981 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association
found that 90% of obstetricians and 66% of pediatricians refused to take the
rubella vaccine.

DID YOU KNOW:
The immune system is involved in protecting us from viruses, bacteria,
parasites and toxins. Immune system problems account for allergies. The
immune system also protects us from cancer. When the immune system goes
haywire it can lead to problems in literally any part of the body. The
immune system can even attack our own tissues causing diseases like
hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Studies on the effects of chiropractic on immunity have placed people into
chiropractic care and monitored their immune system to see the effects.
One of the most important studies showing the positive effect chiropractic
care can have on the immune system and general health was performed by
Ronald Pero, Ph.D., chief of cancer prevention research at New York's
Preventive Medicine Institute and professor of medicine at New York
University. Dr. Pero measured the immune systems of people under
chiropractic care as compared to those in the general population and those
with cancer and other serious diseases. In his initial three-year study of
107 individuals who had been under chiropractic care for five years or more,
the chiropractic patients were found to have a 200% greater immune
competence than people who had not received chiropractic care, and 400%
greater immune competence than people with cancer and other serious
diseases. The immune system superiority of those under chiropractic care did
not diminish with age. Dr. Pero said, "I have never seen a group other than
this chiropractic group to experience a 200% increase over the normal
patients. This is why it is so dramatically important. We have never seen
such a positive improvement in a group."
"Specifically, the study demonstrated that the "phagocytic respiratory burst
of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and monocytes were enhanced in people
that had been adjusted by chiropractors." In other words, the cells that act
like "Pac-Man" eating and destroying viruses, bacteria, parasites and cancer
cells are anywhere from 2 to 4 times more active in people who get regular
chiropractic care.
So are you, your family, and your friends benefiting from regular
chiropractic wellness care - even when they are symptom free?
Your Maximized Health Mentor,

Dr. Craig

Why I Never Get Flu Shots

Every year about this time, quite a few people ask, "My Doctor tells me to
get my annual flu shot. Should I do it?" Well, I don't diagnose or
prescribe, and what you do with your body remains entirely up to you and
your doctor (if you still go to a doctor), but I'll gladly tell you what I
do regarding flu shots...
I avoid them like the plague.
In fact, it would take a Marine nurse and at least four burly wrestlers the
size of Hulk Hogan to hold me down and give me one. Perhaps you already
sense I have strong feelings about flu shots? These feelings stem from
personal opinion, research, and a plethora of patients' bad experiences.
First off, I don't think toxic chemicals and virus strains grown on living
tissue belong in the human body, even when they're packaged in nice sterile
glass vials.
I have found some general information at the Concerned Parents for Vaccine
Safety web site, where I learned about some of the ingredients used to make
vaccines.
Do you want any of the following vaccine constituents in YOUR bloodstream?
* Ethylene glycol (antifreeze)
* Phenol, also known as carbolic acid (this is used as a disinfectant,
dye)
* Formaldehyde, a known cancer-causing agent
* Aluminum, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease and seizures
and also cancer producing in laboratory mice (it is used as an additive to
promote antibody response)
* Thimerosal (a mercury disinfectant/preservative) can result in brain
injury and autoimmune disease
* Neomycin and Streptomycin (used as antibiotics) have caused allergic
reaction in some people.
Vaccines are also grown and strained through animal or human tissue like
monkey kidney tissue, chicken embryo, embryonic guinea pig cells, calf
serum, and human diploid cells (the dissected organs of aborted human
fetuses as in the case of rubella, hepatitis A, and chickenpox vaccines).
Well, I refuse to put all of the above in my body, and I hope when your
doctor starts telling you it's time for your annual flu shot that you'll
require him to defend the annual injection. You or your insurance company's
probably paying eighty bucks for a visit, so get your money's worth.
Have your doctor read you the insert that comes with the vaccine.
Then have him/her explain why it makes sense to inject toxic chemicals into
the human body, and how such substances can aid the delicate immune system.
Chances are he/she will fall back on questionable statistical and
demographic explanations that the medical establishment has used for decades
to justify immunization.
Try to engage your doctor in a non-confrontational discussion because this
is an opportunity for him/her to actually give some serious thought to what
he/she is injecting into bodies of patients day after day after day. Many
traditional doctors who have not studied diet and lifestyle are not going to
change unless we help to educate them to what drugs and vaccines may really
be doing long-term to people.
When one digs into the vaccine history (check out the Swine Flu vaccine if
you want a real horror story) and scientific research (especially in
Europe), it quickly becomes apparent that nobody really knows what these
toxic stews of chemicals and microorganisms do in the human body.
I've approached the yearly flu shot hype with the understanding that if I
eat and live properly, I won't have to worry about catching the flu. The
flu vaccine I use -- eating and living as close to nature as I can --
actually works.
I might add that I haven't missed more than two consecutive days of work
from an illness for nearly a decade, so a non-vaccine approach does work for
me. This non-drug approach has resulted in a level of health that
continually amazes me, especially when I see other men and women who are
miserable and without energy. Men and women who spend all too much of their
time drifting from doctor to doctor in endless pursuit of solutions that
don't get to the cause of their problems - diet, lifestyle and poor
neuro-immune system function.

IMPORTANT QUESTION:
How many of you still think that the main benefit of being part of this
office is to get "cracked" so your back, head and neck will stop hurting? I
hope few of you think this way.
How many of you understand that when you get adjusted your body's health
potential actually goes up? Probably few of you understand what I really
mean by that statement, which is why the next several newsletters will focus
on immune system function, cold and flu myths, vaccines and cough syrup side
effects, natural vs unnatural means of building immunity, and how the
chiropractic adjustment actually improves your health potential from the
inside-out.
"I hope you share what you learn here in this office, and thereby play an
active role in making this world a better place. Whether you realize it or
not, people are depending on you to help them find better answers and
solutions like those we offer in this office."

Your Maximized Health Mentor,

Dr. Craig

Too Little Sleep May Accelerate Aging

Regularly catching only a few hours of sleep can hinder metabolism and
hormone production in a way that is similar to the effects of aging and the
early stages of diabetes. Chronic sleep loss may speed the onset or increase
the severity of age-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood
pressure, obesity, memory loss, etc. The research shows that just one week
of sleep deprivation can alter your hormone levels and your capacity to
metabolize carbohydrates. People who trade sleep for work or play may get
used to it and feel less fatigued, but is that healthy?
During sleep-deprivation, researchers have found that men's blood sugar
levels took 40% longer to drop following a high-carbohydrate meal, compared
with the sleep-recovery period. Their ability to secrete and respond to the
hormone insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar, dropped by 30%. These
changes echo the effects of insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2
diabetes. In addition, the sleep-deprived men had higher nighttime
concentrations of the hormone cortisol, which also helps regulate blood
sugar, and lower levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone. These raised
cortisol levels mimic levels that are often seen in older people, and may be
involved in age-related insulin resistance and memory loss.
Sleep debts are sort of like stress. Most sleep-deprivation research has
focused on what it does to the brain, but it is likely that sleep has many
functions. In the study, subjects' blood sugar and hormone concentrations
were restored after the sleep-recovery period. Earlier research has shown
that in developed countries, the average night's sleep has grown shorter
since the beginning of the century, from 9 hours to 7.5 hours. Many people
give up sleep to make room for work and leisure. An adequate amount of sleep
is as important as an adequate amount of exercise. Sleeping is not a sin,
but a necessity.
This topic is particularly important as we begin adapting to the clock
shift. I believe that 7-8 hours is a minimum requirement for maintaining
health. I also believe that sleeping should not be restless (waking up
often). If you are having trouble sleeping or are not getting an adequate
amount of sleep, keep an eye out for our NEW time/stress management seminar
coming up in January, which will include healthy strategies for better
sleep. In this seminar we will teach easy to implement strategies for
getting your day more organized so cutting sleep time becomes unnecessary.
FYI
Our Wednesday night seminar, "Lifetime Wellness, A Plan For Living A
Maximized Life" was a great success! I believe that every person who
attended got a glimpse of how easy & important it is to PLAN FOR HEALTH. I
also believe those of you who were there will have a better quality of life
for having attended. I hope those of you who could not attend will be able
to next time. Remember getting well and staying well is about Educating
Yourself!
Your Maximized Health Mentor,

Dr. Craig

How Long Will You Live?

Centenarians, people who live to be 100 years or older, are becoming more
and more common in the United States. In 1950 there were 2,300 U.S.
centenarians and today there are more than 40,000. According to one
researcher in the November 2003 issue of Discover magazine
<http://www.discover.com/issues/nov-03/cover/?page=1> , the number of
centenarians is doubling every decade.
There are different theories as to just how long the human body can last,
and why certain cultures have longer life expectancies than others, but one
would expect that since the United States spends more on health care than
other nations <http://www.mercola.com/2003/may/24/health_care.htm> , the
life expectancy would reflect that spending. However, the United States
ranks 24th on the list of disability-adjusted life expectancy
<http://www.mercola.com/2000/jun/10/us_healthcare.htm> , while Japan ranks
first.
Naturally, this is pretty explicit evidence that traditional U.S. health
care is not the secret to longevity. In fact, health care in the United
States would be more aptly named if it were called "disease care," as the
system only serves to treat disease--not protect health.
There are obviously other factors involved in living to be 100 years old or
more. Some scientists believe that people may be able to live for hundreds
of years based on their study of round worms.
The study, published in the October 2003 journal Science
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_u
ids=14576426&dopt=Abstract> , found that by manipulating the worms' insulin
signaling and removing their reproductive systems, the worms could live six
times longer than normal. According to the researchers, this corresponds to
a healthy, active lifespan of 500 human years.
It is quite clear that elevated insulin levels
<http://www.mercola.com/2003/feb/8/longevity.htm> are indeed one of the
most significant physical influences that contribute to rapid aging, and
there is no question that optimizing insulin levels
<http://www.mercola.com/2001/jul/14/insulin.htm> is the key to optimizing
the aging process.
However, I firmly believe that our maximum lifespan is about 120 years and
manipulation of even insulin genes will be highly unlikely to improve our
lifespan significantly beyond that. Ironically, even though most people
express an interest in living to their maximum potential, many people refuse
to use the available methods that are sure to slow down aging. If they did,
we would surely not be facing the ever-increasing epidemics of obesity,
diabetes, heart disease and cancer in this country.
If you want to increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life, one
of the first things you should do is start practicing a nutrition plan, like
our Body By God "Un-Diet" nutrition plan. You'll notice that at the heart of
the program is the elimination, or at the very least a large reduction, of
grains and sugar in your diet. Consuming sugar and grains will increase your
insulin level, and that is the equivalent of slamming your foot on the aging
accelerator. There is simply no more potent way to accelerate aging than
eating sugar and grains.
Fish oil is another strong factor in helping people live longer, and many
experts believe that it is likely the predominant reason why the Japanese
are the longest lived race on the planet
<http://www.mercola.com/2002/aug/17/life_expectancy.htm> . When choosing a
fish oil brand, it is important to find one of high quality to ensure that
it has been purified of mercury and other toxins.
You may also want to look into some specific foods that may slow down aging.
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that have anti-aging effects. Most
fruits and especially vegetables contain antioxidants, but blueberries have
been ranked #1 in antioxidant activity by the USDA when compared to 40 other
fresh fruits and vegetables. I try to maximize my antioxidant (anti-aging)
intake by consuming the greens powder supplement we have in the office.
This is the most effectively efficient way I know of to consume large
amounts of nutrients typically found in vegetables.
Another excellent anti-aging food is coconut oil
<http://www.mercola.com/forms/coconut_oil.htm> , and this one is doubly
beneficial because it can be eaten and applied directly to your skin.
Coconut oil can be used in place of oils, margarine, butter or shortening
and used for all your cooking needs. It can help you lose weight, or
maintain your already good weight, reduce the risk of heart disease and
lower your cholesterol, among other things.
Researchers are also looking into the anti-aging effects of resveratrol, the
antioxidant found in red wine
<http://www.mercola.com/2003/sep/10/red_wine.htm> that has been found to
extend the lifespan of yeast cells by up to 80 percent.
Easily, implementing a nutrition plan is an excellent way to slow down aging
and improve your quality of life. There is no quick fix with this, no pill
and no magic fountain. For most of us living a healthy life well into our
100s will take some dedication and planning, and it's up to you to decide if
the effort is worth it for you.

TRIVIA QUESTION: What famous actor once said "If I could do it all over
again, the one thing I would definitely change is- I would take better care
of my health."?

REMINDER
Our Wednesday night seminar, "Lifetime Wellness, Maximizing Health and
Minimizing Stress" is tonight. If you want to live to be 80, 90 or even
100... you better have a plan in place to do so! Tonight we will be helping
people develop a strategy for living a longer, healthier life. Please join
us!
See the front desk if you are not already signed up for this seminar.

Your Maximized Health Mentor,

Dr. Craig

The Aspirin Myth -- Does it Really Help You?

Over 10 percent of patients who take low-dose aspirin to ward off a heart
attack develop peptic ulcers, which often have no symptoms.
This was the finding of researchers from the University of Western Sydney in
Australia. Using endoscopy, they studied 187 patients who had been taking
between 75 milligrams and 325 milligrams of aspirin daily for at least one
month.
An Annual Ulcer Rate of 28 Percent
The researchers found that 10.7 percent of patients in their study developed
ulcers at least 3 millimeters in diameter. However, only 20 percent
experienced symptoms that were significantly different from patients with no
ulcers, which means many people may not know the ulcers exist.
After three months, the endoscopy was repeated among the 113 people who did
not have ulcers when the study began. It was found that:
* Over 7 percent had developed an ulcer during this period
* This boosted the annual ulcer rate to 28 percent
Other factors that increased the risk of developing ulcers included being 70
years of age or older or having a bacterial infection with H. pylori.
The researchers said the benefits of using aspirin should be carefully
assessed before those who have low cardiovascular risk take it for a
long-term period.
Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics
<http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2005.02649.x?p
revSearch=allfield%3A%28aspirin%2C+ulcers%29> November 2005, Volume 22,
Page 795

Dr. Craig's Comments:
Aspirin has developed a reputation in conventional medical circles for being
a useful approach for lowering the risk of heart disease -- just take one a
day to prevent heart attack or stroke.
Although, let's not forget that aspirin is in fact a drug.
Once you understand natural medical principles it is easy to see that any
drug is not the solution for a chronic degenerative disease. Although it may
seem to provide some initial benefit, the long-term overall view is rarely
appreciated, as it nearly invariably shows a combination of side effects
that far outweighs any benefit.
The case of Vioxx is quite clear. Tens of thousands of people around the
world paid the price with their lives for choosing some temporary pain
relief in exchange for a fatal heart attack.
In the case of aspirin, if you read the studies by British
<http://www.mercola.com/2000/jul/2/aspirin.htm> and American
<http://www.mercola.com/2002/nov/16/aspirin.htm> researchers, you will see
that taking aspirin can cause much more harm than good.
The chance of developing ulcers is just one potential side effect. Others
include:
* Increasing your risk of pancreatic cancer
<http://www.mercola.com/2003/nov/12/aspirin_cancer.htm>
* Damaging your kidneys
<http://www.mercola.com/2005/jun/9/aspirin_seniors.htm>
* Gastric bleeding
<http://www.mercola.com/2005/jun/9/aspirin_seniors.htm>
* Increased risk of stroke
What is the best alternative to aspirin? Simple lifestyle changes such as
taking fish oil <http://www.mercola.com/2005/jan/12/fish_oil_heart.htm> and
exercising <http://www.mercola.com/2005/apr/9/heart_disease.htm> can have a
tremendously positive effect on your cardiovascular system. To make a
misunderstood concept real easy... stop taking aspirin- unless you actually
want a bubbling, bleeding, oozing ulcer.

TRIVIA QUESTION: Do you know who actually coined the phrase, "An aspirin a
day will keep the doctor away."?

ARE YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE NEXT SEMINAR YET?
In our Wednesday night seminar, "Lifetime Wellness, Maximizing Health and
Minimizing Stress" we will attempt to strengthen your understanding about
stress, health and disease. We will also be teaching those in attendance
strategies for improving their life, now and in the future!
In essence we will help you better define your understanding of health, and
more importantly teach you how to remain healthy for the rest of your life!
Please, sign up now and reserve your seat at the front desk.

Your Maximized Health Mentor,

Dr. Craig

Minimize Your Stress - Maximize Your Health

Chronic stress, which has been called America's number one health problem,
is not something to take lightly--it can have profound effects on your
immune system and your overall health. Estimates have placed stress-related
problems as the cause of 75 percent to 90 percent of all primary care
physician visits.
Most people associate stress with worry, but stress has a much broader
definition to your body. Any kind of change, whether it be emotional,
chemical or physical can be stressful. Even positive events, such as getting
a promotion or taking a vacation, can be stressful and can gradually weaken
your health before you realize what is happening. If you have recently
experienced a change in your sleep patterns, feel fatigued, anxious or a
lack of enjoyment for life, or have multiple aches and pains, you are likely
overstressed.
It was recently discovered that people under chronic stress had above-normal
levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), an immune-system protein that promotes
inflammation and has been linked with heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis,
rheumatoid arthritis, severe infections and certain cancers.
It appears that stress increases levels of IL-6, which in turn accelerates a
variety of age-related diseases. Further, stress can weaken a person's
immune response, leaving them more susceptible to infection, and can lead to
unhealthy lifestyle habits. For instance, stress often leads people to
overeat, lose sleep, and neglect exercise, all of which can create health
problems on their own.
"There is a whole new field called "neuroimmunology" that studies the
effects of stress on the immune system. Scientists in this area have
demonstrated alterations in the normal function of immune cells in animals
during times of stress. Excessive physical stress (poor posture / unhealthy
spine) significantly changes our immune cell profile.
Without a properly functioning immune system, our bodies are vulnerable to
invasion by opportunistic germs such as fungi, viruses and bacteria.
It's not practical to advise people to avoid stress because--let's face
it--we all have it. What is practical, however, is to emphasize the
importance of dealing with stress before it takes a toll on your health. It
appears that stress impairs the immune system, which allows underlying
infections to cause damage.
There is ever increasing evidence that most diseases have an infectious
component. Such is the case with most autoimmune disease like rheumatoid
arthritis (RA), which--like most all other diseases--is a result of things
that happen, or more frequently, things we allow to let happen to us, such
as stress overload.
Unfortunately, for most people, no one has ever taught us how to identify
stress in our lives. In addition, most people have absolutely no idea how
to minimize or eliminate stress.
How much stress do I have? Where is the stress in my life coming from? Can
my stress(ors) be eliminated or minimized, and HOW? More importantly, how
do I keep the stress from coming back? These are questions that most people
have or at least should be asking themselves.
In our next seminar, "Lifetime Wellness, Maximizing Health and Minimizing
Stress" we will strengthen your understanding about stress, health and
disease. We will also be teaching those in attendance strategies for
improving their life, now and in the future!
In essence we will help you better define your understanding of health, and
more importantly teach you how to remain healthy for the rest of your life!
In a day and age where people are losing their health due simply to a lack
of understanding how to maintain it... how can you afford not to attend a
free seminar that guarantees RESULTS?!?
Please, sign up now and reserve your seat at the front desk.

Your Maximized Health Mentor,

Dr. Craig

P.S.

"Planning for health in the future requires a little work, but is so much
easier than managing a disease!"

Are You Choosing Life or Early Death?

Medical Model Maximized Health Model
1:2 people die of Heart Disease 200% stronger immune systems
1:3 people die of Cancer Less Medications
2 people die every minute Less Hospital and Doctor visits
1.5 Million Americans injured in hospitals Building Health
Every 30 seconds someone is diagnosed w/ Cancer Preventing Disease
999,936 people die due to medicine 100% Nervous System Function

If you or your family is living in the medical model your one step closer to a life of sickness, suffering, disease and an early death!

If you and your family are living in the Chiropractic Maximized Health Model you’re living a life of health, wellness and vitality!

You either get it and live it- or you don’t!
It’s a simple as that!
Which model are most Americans living in?
The statistics say it all!

If you’re missing appointments, not doing your spinal exercises, eating poorly, taking dangerous medications and not exercising regularly, your one step closer to a life of cancer, heart disease and early death! It’s your choice! You can live in the Maximized Health Model or end up another statistic in the medical model…ITS UP TO YOU!

“After suffering from migraines for over 15 years (sometimes as long as 6 days a week) I read your chiropractic article in the Local Value Magazine. It sounded exactly like what I was looking for. I have seen regular chiropractors and several different medical doctors and the only results from that were different types of oral medications. It was frustrating because I knew we were only treating the symptoms and not the cause.”

“Since starting with Dr. Craig I have only had to use my prescription medication once and that was over 10 weeks ago. The philosophy for treatment coincides perfectly with mine.”

“I am very happy with the results and tell anyone who has similar problems they should make an appointment ASAP.”

“Thanks for improving my quality of life so dramatically!”

Jacque (written August 3, 2006)

Jacque is definitely on the right path to health and wellness now. Who is next? Perhaps it will be you, a family member, a friend or a coworker? Congratulations to Jacque! We love having you as part of our Chiropractic Family.

Your Maximized Health Mentor,

Dr. Craig

Are You Playing Russian Roulette?

You don’t see it a whole lot in real life, but in the movies we’ve all seen Russian Roulette – where someone sticks a bullet in one of the 6 chambers, points it at their head or someone else’s, spins the chamber, and then pulls the trigger. No matter how many times I see this, the emotion is overwhelming and I flinch just like the person on film when you here the “click” –happy it’s not the “BAM!”

The truth is, in real life, people play Russian Roulette every day. The difference is how many bullets are in their gun. You can put in none, one, two, four, or all six.

v If you or your child is overweight or obese research shows there are two bullets in the gun!

“Being obese triples the risk of heart disease, as well as produces a tenfold increase in the chance of developing diabetes.” -ABC News, December 22, 2004

“A prospective study of 527,265 American men and women, who were 50 to 71 years old when the study started, found that being overweight at midlife (age 50) increased the risk of death by up to 30%.” -New England Journal of Med, 8/24/06

If you are taking medications there are two bullets in the gun!

“The conventional medical system is the LEADING cause of death in this country.” “2 people die every minute living in the medical model” -www.lef.org

“Medication mistakes injure well over 1.5 million Americans every year in hospitals alone. A hospitalized patient is subject to at least one medication error per day.
-7/21/06 Associated Press –CNN, NY Times Report

v If you are subluxated research shows (but it’s probably much higher) there are two bullets in the gun! Subluxations are misalignments, losses and/or increases in the curves of the spine that damage the spinal cord and nervous system.

Research shows that a loss of the cervical curve, and increase in the thoracic curve, or scoliosis all increase mortality (speed up death) and takes up to 14 years off your life. -1“Spine” Volume 30(21), November 1, 2005 pp. 2388-2392 revealed work done by Shimizu, Kentaro MD; Nakamura, Masaya MD; Nishikawa, Yuji MD; Hijikata, Sadahisa MD; Chiba, Kazuhiro MD; Toyama, Yoshiaki MD. 2 J Bone Joint Surg Am-1981 Une 63 (5): 702-12 Weinstein SL, Zavala, DC, Ponseti IV

This is real life. It’s not a dress rehearsal. In real life, I don’t want to put a gun to my head or the head of anyone I love with 2 bullets in a 6 chamber pistol (1 out of 3) and pull the trigger. That’s not a Russian game of chance, that’s suicide or murder. Sadly, most people have at least 4, if not all 6 in the chamber!

Truth is more dangerous then fiction. Adjustments, our classes on nutrition, exercise, and doing the best you can to lower or eliminate chance of disease and use of medications is just like taking bullets out of the chamber and/or a (loaded) gun out of your hand.

The study above showing that a problem with the curves in your spine can take up to 14 years off of your life?!? WOW!!! And, to make the study even more credible in support of the Chiropractic profession- it was done by Medical Doctors!

When Mark and I refer to the work we do as “SAVING LIVES”, you now know what we are talking about. And, perhaps most importantly, why we are so serious about your case, and the referral of those who need help- before it’s too late!

I hope this week’s newsletter is an eye-opening experience for all you. We are so happy that we have the opportunity to serve you!


Your Maximized Health Mentor,

Dr. Craig

Soy: Is it Healthy or is it Harmful?

In recent years soy has emerged as a ‘near perfect’ food, with supporters claiming it can provide an ideal source of protein, lower cholesterol, protect against cancer and heart disease, reduce menopause symptoms, and prevent osteoporosis, among other things. But how did such a ‘perfect’ food emerge from a product that in 1913 was listed in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) handbook not as a food but as an industrial product?

According to lipid specialist and nutritionist Mary Enig, PhD, "The reason there’s so much soy in America is because they [the soy industry] started to plant soy to extract the oil from it and soy oil became a very large industry. Once they had as much oil as they did in the food supply they had a lot of soy protein residue left over, and since they can’t feed it to animals, except in small amounts, they had to find another market."

And another market was what they found. To put it simply, after multi-million dollar figures spent on advertising and intense lobbying to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), about 74 percent of U.S. consumers now believe soy products are healthy.

If you’re thinking the health claims surrounding soy sound too good to be true you just may be right. For just a brief look at what’s really going on, consider that numerous studies have found that soy products may:

• Increase the risk of breast cancer in women, brain damage in both men and women, and abnormalities in infants
• Contribute to thyroid disorders, especially in women
• Promote kidney stones
• Weaken the immune system
• Cause severe, potentially fatal food allergies

Soy products also contain:

• Phytoestrogens (isoflavones) genistein and daidzein, which mimic and sometimes block the hormone estrogen
• Phytates, which block the body's uptake of minerals
• Enzyme Inhibitors, which hinder protein digestion
• Haemaggluttin, which causes red blood cells to clump together and inhibits oxygen take-up and growth

Further, most soybeans are grown on farms that use toxic pesticides and herbicides, and many are from genetically engineered plants. When you consider that two-thirds of all manufactured food products contain some form of soy, it becomes clear just how many Americans are consuming GM (Gentticall Modified) products, whose long-term effects are completely unknown.

Perhaps the most disturbing of soy’s ill effects on health has to do with its phytoestrogens that can mimic the effects of the female hormone estrogen. These phytoestrogens have been found to have adverse effects on various human tissues, and drinking even two glasses of soy milk daily for one month has enough of the chemical to alter a woman’s menstrual cycle. The FDA regulates estrogen-containing products; however no warnings exist on soy. Two senior toxicologists with the FDA, Daniel Sheehan and Daniel Doerge, have even come out saying "The public will be put at potential risk from soy isoflavones in soy protein isolate without adequate warning and information." Soy is particularly problematic for infants, and soy infant formulas should be avoided. It has been estimated that infants who are fed soy formula exclusively receive five birth control pills worth of estrogen every day.

There are some redeeming qualities to soy, however these are found primarily in fermented soy products like tempeh, miso and natto and soybean sprouts. If you want to get some health benefits from soy, stick to these four forms and pass up the processed soy milks, soy ‘burgers’, soy ‘ice cream’, soy ‘cheese’, and the myriad of other soy junk foods that are so readily disguised as health foods.

After the Un-Diet seminar many people had questions regarding milk and soy. I strongly recommend Rice Milk as a healthier substitute. You can still have your cereal and your cookies and “milk”, but if you are avoiding the cow’s milk and soy milk… you are better avoiding the health problems associated with each.

P.S. I was very happy to see such a large turnout at the Un-Diet Seminar. There were many people in the audience who stated that they finally received information that made sense. For those of you who could not attend because of a previous engagement, I look forward to seeing you at the next seminar. And for those of you who “think” you have nutrition figured out… think again! I am still figuring it out. It seems to be a never ending process, and maybe that is the point. Our life is a journey, and along the way we must continually strive to learn more and improve. After all, consider the alternative to not improving!

Your Maximized Health Mentor,

Dr. Craig

ARE YOU STILL DRINKING THAT STUFF?

It always amazes me to discover just how many consumers have been brainwashed by dairy industry advertising into thinking that milk from cows is some sort of essential food for humans. In reality, cow's milk is perfect nutrition for baby cows, but nutritionally incompatible with humans, most of whom are actually allergic to the substance.


Humans are the only species that will drink the mammary gland extract of another species. And we didn't even choose a species close to us like monkeys or gorillas. No, we've chosen to drink milk from furry, four-legged creatures mostly because they're the easiest ones to control and dope up with synthetic hormones that turn them into milk-generating machines for profit-motivated dairy operations.


All commercial milk from cows contains pus and blood, by the way. The USDA actually sets allowable limits of pus as a federal standard. (Check MilkSucks.com to see how much pus is found in milk in your State!) And that's not to mention the toxic chemicals, PCBs, pesticides, perchlorate and other substances frequently found in milk products. Even if they were somehow free of these chemicals, nearly all commercially-produced milk is pasteurized and homogenized -- a process that turns milk fats into artery-clogging substances that promote heart disease and atherosclerosis.


Yet western populations chug milk by the gallon, and then the people wonder why they suffer
from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, obesity, heart disease, sinusitis, acne, constipation and even diabetes. The answer is cow's milk, folks. You'd be better off drinking human milk, but even that's only for babies.


Truly, drinking milk from cows is about as silly as pushing a baby calf away from its mother and sucking on the teat yourself. Which is, of course, the very concept this comic is attempting to portray.


Another thing… paid for advertisements for milk suggest that milk is good for bones. Did you know that milk produces an acidic residue in the body after consumption? The result is a direct, negative effect on your bones. Science is now shedding light on the link between milk consumption and osteoporosis. How is that possible? Isn’t milk supposed to be good for bones? Apparently not!


Signed up for the nutrition seminar yet?


Speak up and educate others
Dr. Craig


Seminar signup at the front deskP.S. NUTRITION SEMINAR… MONDAY… 6:30-7:30… PLEASE ATTEND!

Fish Oil, It Is Not Optional- It Is Essential!

“I am writing a second article for the week for 2 reasons: First, many of you wanted to know more about finding a fish oil supplement that is high in quality and low in cost. Second, I got the impression from others that they think fish oil supplementation is “optional” at best, and is not really critical to improving and preserving their health. For those of you who are now taking fish oil to protect your health, I congratulate you! For those who are not taking fish oil, I beg you to reconsider! I have taken the time to provide all of you with more information to help you see how important this issue is and why I feel so strongly about it. Please read the following carefully, and share it with others. Thank you.” Dr. Craig

Other Health Benefits I Did Not Mention That You NEED To Be Aware Of: 1-5
Scientists made one of the first associations between omega-3s and human health while studying the Inuit (Eskimo) people of Greenland in the 1970s. As a group, the Inuit suffered far less from certain diseases (coronary heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, psoriasis) than their European counterparts. Yet their diet was very high in fat from eating whale, seal, and salmon. Eventually researchers realized that these foods were all rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which provided real disease-countering benefits.

In addition, nutritionists have come to recognize the importance of balancing omega-3 fatty acids with omega-6 fatty acids in the diet. Because most people on a typical Western diet consume far more omega-6-rich foods (including cereals, whole-grain bread, baked goods, fried foods, margarine, and others), the ratio is clearly out of balance for almost everyone. This means for most Americans the emphasis now needs to be on increasing omega-3s to make the ratio more even.

Specifically, omega-3s in fish oil may help to:
1) Improve heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to play a part in keeping cholesterol levels low, stabilizing irregular heart beat (arrhythmia), and reducing blood pressure (hypertension).

2) Omega-3 fatty acids are also natural blood thinners, reducing the "stickiness" of blood cells (called platelet aggregation), which can lead to such complications as blood clots and stroke.

3) Improve rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Raynaud's disease, and other autoimmune diseases. Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish oils) have been shown to increase survival in people with autoimmune diseases. This is probably because the omega-3s help the arteries--as well as many other parts of the body--stay inflammation free. In numerous studies over the years, participants with inflammatory diseases have reported less joint stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and overall fatigue when taking omega-3s.

In 1998, an exciting review of well-designed, randomized clinical trials reported that omega-3 fatty acids were more successful than a placebo ("dummy drug") in improving the condition of people with rheumatoid arthritis. The research also showed that getting more omega-3 fatty acids enabled some participants to reduce their use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, etc.

4) Improve depression and symptoms of other mental health problems. The brain is remarkably fatty: In fact, this organ is 60% fat and needs omega-3s to function properly. Now researchers have discovered a link between mood disorders and the presence of low concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids in the body.

Apparently, omega-3s help regulate mental health problems because they enhance the ability of brain-cell receptors to comprehend mood-related signals from other neurons in the brain. In other words, the omega-3s are believed to help keep the brain's entire traffic pattern of thoughts, reactions, and reflexes running smoothly and efficiently.

5) Aid cancer prevention and cancer support. Preliminary research from the University of California, Los Angeles, suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help maintain healthy breast tissue and prevent breast cancer. Also, in a recent study, participants who supplemented their diet with fish oils produced fewer quantities of a carcinogen associated with colon cancer than did a placebo group.

Conclusion / Summary: Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s), are fats required by the body that the body is unable to produce on its own, so they must be supplemented from the diet. EFA’s are often called “the good fats” because unlike other fats that have received negative press, these fats have health promoting benefits. Essential fatty acids help modulate inflammation, protect against cancer, protect against heart disease, help to support the structure and function of the nervous system, help to maintain healthy skin, assist in modulating blood sugar, and help in the modulation and production of hormones. Essential fatty acids are extremely important nutrients for health and are present in every healthy cell in the body, and are critical for the normal maintenance, growth and functioning of the cells, muscles, nerves, and organs.

My recommendation is this: Each and every person should be taking a fish oil supplement because their body can NOT produce essential fats on its own, and the average person is NOT getting them in their foods in adequate amounts. I recommend the Body By God product for 2 main reasons: great quality control and its inexpensive compared to everything else I have tried. You will never find this quality of fish oil in any health food store because it is simply too expensive for them, considering that ultra-refined fish oil concentrates are up to 1,000 times more pure than health-food grade fish oils. At Body By God, it is all about results. There is nothing else that really matters when it comes to your health, just RESULTS!

Your Maximized Health Mentor,

Dr. Craig

Fish Oil Reduces Heart Disease: The Evidence Increases

Previous studies have suggested a link between Eskimos’ high intake of omega-3 fats and their reduced risk of heart disease. Since then, several other studies have strengthened the association between the intake of omega-3 fats and the reduced risk of heart disease.

In one study, 11,324 post--myocardial infarction patients were assigned to receive either omega-3 fats eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or vitamin E, a combination of the two, or neither for a 3.5-year period. No statistically significant benefit was observed with vitamin E, however the omega-3 fat group experienced a 20 percent decreased risk of total mortality, a 30 percent lower risk of cardiovascular mortality, and a 45 percent lower risk of sudden death.

The increasing evidence supporting the view that omega-3 fats reduce the risk of death from heart disease should not be ignored. The American Heart Association states that Americans must increase daily intake of EPA and DHA per day. Failure to do so will lead to increased risk for heart disease. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2003, Harris 77 (2): 279

Dr. Craig’s Comments:
Always remember omega-3 fats are essential to you and your children's health. The best source for omega-3 is fish oil, as, unlike other sources such as walnuts or flax seeds, it is high in two fatty acids crucial to human health, DHA and EPA. These two fatty acids are pivotal in preventing heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. The human brain is also highly dependent on DHA - low DHA levels have been linked to depression, schizophrenia, memory loss, and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's.

Generally, our diets contain not only far too little omega-3 (fish oil type), but far too many omega-6 fats (fast food type). Experts looking at the dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids suggest that in early human history the ratio was about 1:1. Currently most Americans eat a dietary ratio that falls between 20:1 and 50:1 (BAD : GOOD). The optimal ratio is most likely closer to the original ratio of 1:1. For most of us this means not only increasing our omega-3 intake through fish oil, but also greatly reducing the omega-6 fatty acids we consume.

As for fish itself, patients consuming nearly every type of fish these days are showing high levels of mercury in their systems. In short--and sadly, as it would otherwise be one of the healthiest meats on the planet--I now advise patients to start taking a “good” fish oil supplement instead of only eating fish because most are contaminated with mercury. If you do consume fish, you should be certain the provider can demonstrate that the fish are free of detectable levels of mercury and other toxins. We can help you find a supplement that is high in quality.

EFA (Essential Fatty Acids) are basic, essential building blocks for the brain, nerve system, and gastrointestinal tract- to name only a few bodily systems. If you ignore your body’s needs and fail to provide your body with the basic building blocks- absolutely nothing good came come of it. In fact, extremely serious consequences can be the only expectation!

If you feel this information is of value to you and your health, please let Mark or myself help you get started on reversing your Bad:Good fat ratio now by getting you started on a fish oil supplement that I have taken for years, and will continue to take for the rest of my life! Heart Disease is the #1 leading “Killer Disease” in the United States, and has been for many years. I believe most people are simply failing to understand and implement health strategies that significantly increase their health, and therefore their chances of developing heart disease. Don’t wait for it to happen to you!

Your Maximized Health Mentor,
Dr. Craig

M.D.'s Thoughts on Chiropractic

"I started out, as do most beginners in the medical art, to conquer the demon ‘disease’ with drugs. I too, often failed, as they all do...the more I studied and experimented, the more I was convinced that the real cause of dis-ease was impinged nerves, and that the chiropractic adjustment was the most scientific way to release them...results are what count, and chiropractic care, when scientifically given, brings them..."
- William A. Seeley, M.D.
"The contrast of osteopathy to chiropractic is as great as the contrast of an old-fashioned blunder-bus to a modern high powered rifle...this opinion is based on knowledge gained through my experience in drugless therapy, and is so firmly fixed in my mind that I no longer practice osteopathy at all."
- Dr. S.C. Wyatt, former osteopath
To Live Longer MD Recommends Avoiding MDs
As a retired physician, I can honestly say that unless you are in a serious accident, your best chance of living to a ripe old age is to avoid doctors and hospitals and learn nutrition, herbal medicine and other forms of natural medicine unless you are fortunate enough to have a naturopathic physician available, like a Chiropractor. Almost all drugs are toxic and are designed only to treat symptoms and not to cure anyone. Vaccines are highly dangerous, have never been adequately studied or proven to be effective, and have a poor risk/reward ratio. Most surgery is unnecessary and most textbooks of medicine are inaccurate and deceptive. Almost every disease is said to be idiopathic (without known cause) or genetic – although this is untrue. In short, our mainstream medical system is hopelessly inept and/or corrupt. The treatment of cancer and degenerative diseases is a national scandal. The sooner you learn this, the better off you will be.
- A.Greenberg, M.D.
“Look well to the spine for the cause of disease.” Hippocrates (460-357 B.C.), “The Father of Medicine”
“Drugs never cure disease. They merely hush the voice of nature’s protest, and pull down the danger signals she erects along the pathway of transgression. Any poison taken into the system has to be reckoned with later on even though it palliates present symptoms. Pain may disappear, but the patient is left in a worse condition, though unconscious of it at the time.”
- Daniel H. Kress, M.D.

“Look well to the spine for the cause of disease.” Hippocrates (460-357 B.C.), “The Father of Medicine”

Dr. Craig’s comments on the above:
I know many people today still consider medicine to be mainstream, and chiropractic to be an alternative form of healthcare. I would challenge you to consider how this perception came to be, and whether it is truly accurate or not. Consider the word healthcare… do you honestly think that medicine(s) are the ultimate source of health and healing power? Are M.D.’s known for their treatments and teachings when it comes to learning more about health in general? I would strongly answer NO to both questions and argue that the chiropractic profession and especially this chiropractic office strives to TEACH and TREAT the cause of illness and not merely focus on symptoms (affects). Therefore, I would argue that our chiropractic office is a no-alternative approach to healthcare. Meaning everyone needs to care for the health of their spine and nerve system as if it were top priority. Everything after that should be considered alternative, and that would include drug therapy and surgery. The people around us at work and at home need to be taught that Chiropractic should be the first option when it comes to healthcare, and not last resort. What is the alternative to maintaining your health naturally?

Your Maximized Health Mentor,
Dr. Craig

Top 5 nutritional choices to make if your health is important to you

Do you ever feel like: you’re walking around with your head in a fog, have less energy than you used to, maybe you’re not quite as quick to the punch as you once were, or you find that common words seem to continuously slip your mind? Well, this doesn’t have to be. Certain foods can actually help to boost your brainpower, clear away your mental fog and leave you with enviable quick-thinking skills. So if you’d like to increase your intelligence to the level you’re capable of achieving, take a moment and read through the list below. Choosing these foods will not only make you appear smart to those around you, they will actually help you to increase your mental clarity, ability to think and overall health potential.

Fish Oil: As the old saying goes, "Fish is brain food." What I recommend- and I can’t recommend it highly enough is fish oil. Packed with beneficial omega-3 fats including DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), fish oil may reduce inflammation in the brain and offer a protective effect. Our brains and nerves are made up of approximately 60 percent fat, and most of this fat is either DHA or AA (arachidonic acid). DHA is primarily obtained from fish sources, not plant sources like flax seed. When using fish oil it is important to obtain a high-quality reputable brand. If you would like help finding a quality supplement, please let Mark or myself help you... it can be very confusing and difficult on your own.

Vegetables or a Vegetable Powder Supplement: There is little that compares to the nutritional value of vegetables. Specifically, low levels of folic acid, a nutrient found in green leafy vegetables, have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and the many antioxidants and phytochemicals in vegetables will help to keep your mind sharp. My general recommendation is to eat one pound of vegetables daily for every 50 pounds of body weight. The easiest way to achieve this is to be regularly consuming vegetable juice or a vegetable powder like the Body By God Green PhytoFoods supplement that I take. It has 2.5 pounds of veggies per serving! With less time to cook and eat quality vegetables I choose to drink them instead. If you are not already doing this I strongly recommend that we talk about how to start using vegetable powder to support your nutritional needs.

Avoid Sugar: This is obviously not a food, but more of a "foods-to-avoid" category. If you want to perform at your top level, intelligence-speaking or otherwise, it is imperative to limit, if not completely avoid, sugar. High-sugar foods will disrupt your body's homeostasis and insulin levels, which will contribute to disease and brain fog. Some easy ways to avoid sugar in your diet is to cut out soda and candy, but also watch out for less obvious sources like fruit juice.

Berries: Not only do blueberries taste good, but they are one of the most potent antioxidant foods on the planet. They are small and densely packed with a variety of potent phytochemcials that can do wonders to normalize and improve health, including direct benefits to the brain. Blueberries have been shown to actually reverse some of the aging that occurs in the brain. Blueberries are full of other health-promoting qualities as well, and my only caution for them is to watch how many you eat at once due to their sugar content. Other small, darkly colored berries, like cherries, raspberries, gooseberries and mulberries provide similar health benefits.

Liquid Multivitamin: There is more confusion about what multivitamin to take than anything else I can think of. Here are my thoughts on how simple this should be… everyone NEEDS a multivitamin nowadays- unless you have a perfect diet, and I don’t know anyone who actually does. Liquid is clearly the way to go in comparison to pill form. The source of the multivitamins nutrient value should be plant derived and preferably harvested from the ocean floor for purity. It is that simple folks. If you need help finding a liquid multivitamin, please ask Mark or myself for advice. I have made many poor choices about diet in my lifetime. I welcome you to learn and benefit from the mistakes I have made and the research I have already done for you. Good nutrition is part of living a Chiropractic lifestyle and a Maximized Life.

Your Maximized Health Mentor,
Dr. Craig

Sugar can destroy your health!

In addition to throwing off the body's homeostasis, excess sugar may result in a number of other significant consequences. The following is a listing of some of sugar's metabolic consequences from a variety of medical journals and other scientific publications. You will not believe how bad it is until reading all 70 reasons!

1. Sugar can suppress your immune system and impair your defenses against infectious disease.^1,2
2. Sugar upsets the mineral relationships in your body: causes chromium and copper deficiencies and interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium. ^3,4,5,6
3. Sugar can cause can cause a rapid rise of adrenaline, hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children.^7,8
4. Sugar can produce a significant rise in total cholesterol, triglycerides and bad cholesterol and a decrease in good cholesterol.^9,10,11,12
5. Sugar causes a loss of tissue elasticity and function.¹³
6. Sugar feeds cancer cells and has been connected with the development of cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, rectum, pancreas, biliary tract, lung, gallbladder and stomach.^{14,15,16,17,18,19,20}
7. Sugar can increase fasting levels of glucose and can cause reactive hypoglycemia.^21,22
8. Sugar can weaken eyesight.²³
9. Sugar can cause many problems with the gastrointestinal tract including: an acidic digestive tract, indigestion, malabsorption in patients with functional bowel disease, increased risk of Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.^{24,25,26,27,28}
10. Sugar can cause premature aging.²⁹
11. Sugar can lead to alcoholism.³⁰
12. Sugar can cause your saliva to become acidic, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.^31,32,33
13. Sugar contributes to obesity.³⁴
14. Sugar can cause autoimmune diseases such as: arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis.^35,36,37
15. Sugar greatly assists the uncontrolled growth of Candida Albicans (yeast infections)³⁸
16. Sugar can cause gallstones.³⁹
17. Sugar can cause appendicitis.⁴⁰
18. Sugar can cause hemorrhoids.⁴¹
19. Sugar can cause varicose veins.⁴²
20. Sugar can elevate glucose and insulin responses in oral contraceptive users.⁴³
21. Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.⁴⁴
22. Sugar can cause a decrease in your insulin sensitivity thereby causing an abnormally high insulin levels and eventually diabetes.^45,46,47
23. Sugar can lower your Vitamin E levels.⁴⁸
24. Sugar can increase your systolic blood pressure.⁴⁹
25. Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.⁵⁰
26. High sugar intake increases advanced glycation end products (AGEs)(Sugar molecules attaching to and thereby damaging proteins in the body).⁵¹
27. Sugar can interfere with your absorption of protein.⁵²
28. Sugar causes food allergies.⁵³
29. Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.⁵⁴
30. Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.⁵⁵
31. Sugar can cause atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.^56,57
32. Sugar can impair the structure of your DNA.⁵⁸
33. Sugar can change the structure of protein and cause a permanent alteration of the way the proteins act in your body.^59,60
34. Sugar can make your skin age by changing the structure of collagen.⁶¹
35. Sugar can cause cataracts and nearsightedness.^62,63
36. Sugar can cause emphysema.⁶⁴
37. High sugar intake can impair the physiological homeostasis of many systems in your body.⁶⁵
38. Sugar lowers the ability of enzymes to function.⁶⁶
39. Sugar intake is higher in people with Parkinson's disease.⁶⁷
40. Sugar can increase the size of your liver by making your liver cells divide and it can increase the amount of liver fat.^68,69
41. Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney such as the formation of kidney stones.^70,71
42. Sugar can damage your pancreas.⁷²
43. Sugar can increase your body's fluid retention.⁷³
44. Sugar is enemy #1 of your bowel movement.⁷⁴
45. Sugar can compromise the lining of your capillaries.⁷⁵
46. Sugar can make your tendons more brittle.⁷⁶
47. Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines.⁷⁷
48. Sugar can reduce the learning capacity, adversely affect school children's grades and cause learning disorders.^78,79
49. Sugar can cause an increase in delta, alpha, and theta brain waves which can alter your mind's ability to think clearly.⁸⁰
50. Sugar can cause depression.⁸¹
51. Sugar can increase your risk of gout.⁸²
52. Sugar can increase your risk of Alzheimer's disease.⁸³
53. Sugar can cause hormonal imbalances such as: increasing estrogen in men, exacerbating PMS, and decreasing growth hormone.^84,85,86,87
54. Sugar can lead to dizziness.⁸⁸
55. Diets high in sugar will increase free radicals and oxidative stress.⁸⁹
56. High sucrose diets of subjects with peripheral vascular disease significantly increases platelet adhesion.⁹⁰
57. High sugar consumption of pregnant adolescents can lead to substantial decrease in gestation duration and is associated with a twofold increased risk for delivering a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant.^91,92
58. Sugar given to premature babies can affect the amount of carbon dioxide they produce.⁹⁵
59. Decrease in sugar intake can increase emotional stability.⁹⁶
60. Your body changes sugar into 2 to 5 times more fat in the bloodstream than it does starch.⁹⁷
61. The rapid absorption of sugar promotes excessive food intake in obese subjects.⁹⁸
62. Sugar can worsen the symptoms of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).⁹⁹
63. Sugar adversely affects urinary electrolyte composition.¹⁰⁰
64. Sugar can slow down the ability of your adrenal glands to function.¹⁰¹
65. I.V.s (intravenous feedings) of sugar water can cut off oxygen to your brain.¹⁰³
66. High sugar intake can cause epileptic seizures.¹⁰⁵
67. Sugar causes high blood pressure in obese people.¹⁰⁶
68. In juvenile rehabilitation camps, when children were put on a low sugar diet, there was a 44 percent drop in antisocial behavior.¹⁰⁹
69. Sugar dehydrates newborns.¹¹⁰
70. Sugar can cause gum disease.¹¹¹

References are available, but I just simply ran out of room on this one. Please tell your friends, “Sugar is a Bad Idea”

Your Maximized Health Mentor,

Dr. Craig