Your body compared to a living plant vs. dead wood

The Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu is credited with writing the Tao Te Ching more than 2,500 years ago. This book, whose title translates into "Classic of the Way," contains 81 poems outlining a philosophy that stresses uniting with and yielding to the natural flow of the universe.

"We're soft and
supple when we're born
Hard and rigid when we die
Living plants are
pliable
Deadwood is brittle and dry
The hard and stiff are bound to
break
The supple bends and goes along"

I recall a specific interpretation of this poem that I had when I was reading theTao in my early 20’s and attending graduate school for my Doctorate in Chiropractic. The Tao, verse 73, in relation to your health status, level of fitness, and daily habits:

Think about how this poem speaks to you in regard to the following: your current state of flexibility, your posture, your level of health and fitness, your chiropractic adjustments, stretching on the Power Plate or FitBall, etc. Now, please read that poem again and try to find its powerful message.

Did you know that as we age the general trend of the human body is to become stiffer, less elastic and pliable, more brittle and rigid? Notice, that I said trend. I use this word to indicate that this is merely the common course or direction. This is unfortunate because there are alternatives to becoming brittle and dry or hard and stiff… as the poem points out. You can in fact remain soft and supple as you age. But, it does require a certain amount of diligent effort and awareness on your part.

I am constantly aware of this fact, and as a result I put forth an effort to retain the soft, supple and pliable nature of my body. I know what the alternative is, and I do not wish to head in that direction. In this office, we are trying to keep you from heading in that direction as well.

Many of you ended up here because you allowed your body to become excessively hard and rigid. Your body tissue may have become excessively brittle and dry as well. What you are feeling is not “old age”, but rather a process that you allowed your body to be a part of.

The good news is this. Many of you have experienced the positive aspects of changing course or reversing direction. As a result of the adjustment, traction, exercise, home stretching, improved postural awareness, etc. you have noticed what it is like for your body to become softer and more pliable again. This is only the beginning. Imagine if you just kept moving in this positive direction. Imagine if you became even more aware of your posture in daily activities. Imagine if you increasingly exerted more effort each year to increase or retain your current level of strength and flexibility. Are you trying to remain the living plant or are you allowing your body to become dead wood… as the poem suggests? As the New Year approaches… so does the opportunity for positive changes!

Speak up and educate others,

Dr. Craig

Click Here for the "Maximized Health Tip of the Week"

Do you brush your teeth ONLY when they hurt?

We all know that brushing, flossing and rinsing our teeth on a regular basis is absolutely necessary to avoiding pain and decay in the future. That is why we do it, right? But, did you know that the bones in your back are just like the bones in your mouth? They will become problematic if not cared for properly!

When was the first time you had your teeth (bones in the mouth) examined by a healthcare professional?
When was the first time you had your spine (bones in the back) examined by a healthcare professional?

How often have you been taught to practice oral hygiene, i.e. brushing, flossing, rinsing, etc?
How often have you been taught to practice spinal hygiene, i.e. postural strengthening and stretching, etc?

What will happen if you stop all forms of oral hygiene for the next 5 years?
What will happen if you stop all forms of spinal hygiene for the next 5 years?

If you can identify a severe problem in a tooth, what would you do about it?
If you can identify a severe problem in a vertebrae or portion of your spine, what would you do about it?

Is there any benefit to regular health maintenance practices for your teeth and gums?
Is there any benefit to regular health maintenance practices for your muscular-skeletal system?

In case of severe decay and degeneration, can you simply replace a section of teeth, i.e. dentures?
In case of severe decay and degeneration, can you simply replace a section of your spine?

I could continue, but I hope this is enough to make my point. How far off the mark are we when it comes to maintaining the health of our own bodily parts and systems? We place more importance on what we see in the mirror (teeth) than what literally protects the body’s electrical system (spine). Both will decay and degenerate over time, especially if neglected! One can be surgically altered with ease, while the other cannot. We take great effort in taking care of one (teeth) to avoid pain, but only care for the other (spine) only when it creates pain. This type of action is clearly insane when observed logically, no?

It is very unfortunate that most people think their spine is perfectly healthy as long as they feel good. Well folks, the reality is that we all feel good before we develop a cavity. Often times we even feel fine while the cavity is getting worse. But, most people don’t wait until they have a massively symptomatic cavity to make an appointment for a dental checkup. Why do most of us behave in opposing fashion when it comes to the spine? Why do our kids not get spinal checkups? Why do we not care for our spine if it doesn’t hurt?

There is very little difference between Chiropractic and Dentistry other than you simply understand the need for one more than the other. Don’t let that misunderstanding get you into trouble down the road. If you don’t have back or neck pain now- that’s great! But, don’t wait around for a “cavity in the spine” to arise. It is wise to do what needs to be done to avoid the problem. If you do have pain and stiffness- take it very seriously! The spine you have is the only one you will ever get. We reap what we sow.

Speak up and educate others,

Dr. Craig

Click Here for the "Maximized Health Tip of the Week"

Are you GREEN when you CLEAN?

Green Cleaning is the act of using cleaning products that don't endanger you, children or the environment. This is especially important for people who have asthma, allergies, or compromised immune systems. Standard cleaning products often contain irritating chemicals that are actually dangerous to your health. The Green Cleaning products recommended here are effective, inexpensive, safe for you and the environment.

Green cleaning recipes:

• Tub and sink cleaner: Baking soda, liquid soap
  Sprinkle baking soda on the porcelain fixtures and rub with wet rag. Add a little of the liquid, Murphy's soap to the rag for more cleaning power. Rinse well to avoid leaving a hazy film.
• Window and mirror cleaner: White vinegar, water
  Put 1/4 cup of white vinegar in the spray bottle and fill to the top with water. Spray on the surface. Rub with a lint-free rag. For outdoor windows, use a sponge and wash with warm water with a few drops of liquid Murphy's or castile soap in it. Rinse well and squeegee dry.
• Linoleum floor cleaner: White vinegar, water
  Mop with a mixture of 1/2 cup vinegar in a bucket (pail) of warm water. The vinegar odor will go away shortly after the floor dries.
• Toilet bowl cleaner: Baking soda, liquid soap
  Sprinkle baking soda inside the bowl as you would any scouring powder. Add a couple drops of soap in also. Scrub with a toilet bowl brush and finish outside surfaces with a rag sprinkled with baking soda.
• All purpose cleaner for spots on woodwork, tile and linoleum: Murphy's liquid soap
  Add a few drops of liquid soap to a wet washcloth and rub surface briskly.
• Oven cleaner: Baking soda, water
  Mix 1 cup of baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Apply to oven surfaces and let stand a little while. Use the scouring pad for scrubbing most surfaces. A spatula or a bread knife is effective to get under large food deposits. This recipe will require more scrubbing effort, but it is not toxic to you or your child. Commercial oven cleaners are severe irritants. Do not use this cleaner recipe on self-cleaning ovens.
• Drain cleaner: Baking soda, white vinegar, boiling water
  This recipe will free minor clogs and helps to prevent future clogs. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain first, then 1/2 cup vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes. Then pour down a teakettle full of boiling water. Repeat if needed. If the clog is stubborn, use a plunger. If very stubborn, use a mechanical snake.
• Copper cleaner: White vinegar, water, salt
  Mix equal parts of vinegar and salt (a tablespoon of each will do) and apply to the surface with a rag. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with water afterwards, otherwise it will corrode. Don't use this cleaner on lacquered finishes.

Living a healthy lifestyle is more than “eating and exercising” properly. Eliminating or minimizing exposure to toxic chemicals is a key ingredient to a healthy lifestyle. I hope this information stimulates some thought and action within your household as it did within mine. Please see side 2 for more help and ideas.

Speak up and educate others,
Dr. Craig

By the Numbers: Resource: http://www.treehugger.com/
1. 17,000: the number of petrochemicals available for home use, only 30% of which have been tested for exposure to human health and the environment.
2. 63: the number of synthetic chemical products found in the average American home, translating to roughly 10 gallons of harmful chemicals.
3. 100: the number of times higher that indoor air pollution levels can be above outdoor air pollution levels, according to US EPA estimates.
4. 275: the number of active ingredients in antimicrobials that the EPA classifies as pesticides because they are designed to kill microbes.
5. 5 billion: the number of pounds of chemicals that the institutional cleaning industry uses each year.
6. 23: the average gallons in chemicals (87 liters) that a janitor uses each year, 25% of which are hazardous.
Resources:
Cleaning with Baking Soda: http://www.thenewhomemaker.com/bakingsoda
Cleaning with Vinegar: http://www.vinegartips.com/cleaning/
Cleaning with Hydrogen Peroxide: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/kitchen
Buy non-toxic cleaning supplies: http://www.simplysmartliving.com/, http://www.methodhome.com/ (sold at Target)

Was Gustav Theodor Fechner right about you?

In 1848, German experimental psychologist Gustav Theodor Fechner formalized the pain-pleasure principle... the idea that all human action is primarily determined by the degree of pleasure or displeasure that is to be expected or gained.

Is human action truly guided by the same “over simplified” principle as that which governs the animal kingdom? I for one would like to think otherwise. I do know that many of my actions are in fact influenced by avoiding pain, confrontation, and all things that are considered bad; but I also know that many other decisions I make are governed by something greater than pain or pleasure. So, the pain-pleasure principle can not be an “end all be all” principle, can it?

As far as the on goings of this office I see the reality of the pain–pleasure principle on a continuous basis. For this reason, I would like to expose it, draw your attention to it, and give you the opportunity to make better decisions with regard to your actions. 3 scenarios where the pain-pleasure principle fails miserably:

1. The person who goes to the Chiropractor because they are in pain, and as soon as the pain goes away so does their motivation to correct the cause of their pain or problem.
2. The person (millions of people in fact) who have pain and still neglect to do something about it other than medicate their painful existence in effort to find pleasure again at any cost.
3. The person who is not in pain, but is unaware of what it takes to make sure that they do not develop a painful condition. (i.e. they brush their teeth but do nothing for their spine)

Do you know anybody who fits into any of these categories?
Do you see my point? Please, please, please do not let the pain–pleasure principle govern your decision making skills when it comes to taking care of your body, your health, your friends and children, etc. Right now we are seeing a health care crisis because of this very concept. Too many people make continuously bad decisions that are governed by the pain-pleasure principle with regard to diet, exercise, ergonomics, lifestyle choices, healthcare professional utilization, etc.

I have a solution to offer in substitute of the pain-pleasure principle. I call it the higher purpose principle. Here is how it works for me:

Regardless of pain or pleasure I exercise regularly, eat well, stay well adjusted, and practice stress management in a way that serves a higher purpose. I do it because God is depending on me to serve you at maximum capacity. I do it because in the future my wife, children and grandchildren will depend on me to be healthy, strong and wise. I do it because there is more at stake than pain, pleasure, or myself.

With regard to traction, head exercises, your diet, your level of exercise activity, your postural awareness, your working knowledge of health and disease, etc… was Gustav Theodor Fechner right about you? Or, are you capable of transcending the pain-pleasure principle, and thus proving him wrong as well?

Speak up and educate others,

Dr. Craig

Click Here for this week's recipe

Closer look at what is in your water and toothpaste

97% of Western Europe has chosen fluoride-free water. Water fluoridation’s benefits to teeth have been exaggerated. No statistical difference exists in tooth decay between fluoridated & unfluoridated countries. Fluoride is the only chemical added to drinking water for the purpose of medicating the public.

Contrary to belief, fluoride has minimal benefit when swallowed. According to the Centers for Disease Control, fluoride's "predominant effect is topical". Many people are being over-exposed to fluoride. Children can ingest more fluoride from toothpaste alone than is recommended as a “safe amount”. Fluoridated water is no longer recommended for babies. According to a recent review published in the medical journal The Lancet, fluoride may damage the developing brain, causing learning deficits and other problems.

Ingestion of fluoride has little benefit, but many risks. Whereas fluoride's benefits come from topical contact with teeth, its risks to health (which involve many more tissues than the teeth) result from being swallowed. Adverse effects from fluoride ingestion have been associated with doses atttainable by people living in fluoridated areas. For example:

a) Risk to the brain. According to the National Research Council (NRC), fluoride can damage the brain. Animal studies conducted in the 1990s by EPA scientists found dementia-like effects at the same concentration (1 ppm) used to fluoridate water, while human studies have found adverse effects on IQ at levels as low as 0.9 ppm.

b) Risk to the thyroid gland. According to the NRC, fluoride is an “endocrine disrupter.” Most notably, the NRC has warned that doses of fluoride (0.01-0.03 mg/kg/day) achievable by drinking fluoridated water, may reduce the function of the thyroid among individuals with low-iodine intake. Reduction of thyroid activity can lead to loss of mental acuity, depression and weight gain.

c) Risk to bones. According to the NRC, fluoride can diminish bone strength and increase the risk for bone fracture.
d) Risk for bone cancer. Animal and human studies – including a recent study from a team of Harvard scientists – have found a connection between fluoride and a serious form of bone cancer (osteosarcoma).

e) Risk to kidney patients. People with kidney disease have a heightened susceptibility to fluoride toxicity. The heightened risk stems from an impaired ability to excrete fluoride from the body.

Some words of advice… do not simply trust what many in the dental profession still promote, investigate how to eliminate fluoride from your water, and find toothpaste that does not contain fluoride. The Sunflower Market, or most health food stores will have a fluoride free toothpaste. We use the brand “Kiss My Face” in our household, and its actually pretty good stuff! The key here, as with most things, is to minimize the bad stuff and maximize the good stuff when it comes to health and disease. You can do it, and it’s worth the effort!

Speak up and educate others,

Dr. Craig

“Mr. Burns sold seltzer water as the flu vaccine.”

This was a line from a recent Simpson’s episode. It made me think about a few things regarding what will soon be a “hot topic” for many commercials, billboards, magazine ads, etc. – the flu vaccine!

What do you know about the flu vaccine? Don’t believe what you hear. Here is some of what I know:

1) Common vaccine ingredients that you do not want 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.

2) 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). Want that junk in your body?

3) The number of deaths arising from the flu are statistically inaccurate and misleading, to say the least. But, with good advertising and the right blend of “scare tactics” people will take almost anything. $$$$

4) The odds of picking the right strain of virus among all the possibilities is like a bad trip to Las Vegas, it is a huge gamble. In addition, what about the mutated strain that no one has any experience with? This has happened many times over the last several years… the “scientists” picked the wrong strain to emerge, made the vaccine anyways, and then promoted sales under the premise that “well, it’s better than nothing”. Are you kidding me? Yet, the sale of flu shots hit all time highs every year.

5) People do die from the flu. People also die from taking the flu vaccine! Allergic reactions to all types of medicines- including the flu shot is not something you will hear a lot about. After all, where is the $$$ in sharing that info with the public, i.e. commercials, warnings in print and media, etc?

6) More people in the practice got sick last year, who got the flu shot, compared to those that did not!

7) What you MUST understand is that people are dying from the flu because they are already sick and have compromised immune systems. The ultimate treatment for the flu is proactive prevention – there is no side effect with this method. Eat the right foods, avoid the junk, get plenty of rest, stay well adjusted, and stay emotionally balanced - and you and the flu symptoms will likely never meet.

As far as doing my best to not get sick… I would rather have a shot of seltzer water than a cocktail of dangerous chemicals that statistically have a higher chance of making me sick than offering a “cure”!

Speak up and educate others,

Dr. Craig

What is Power Plate?

Power Plate® equipment is the premium vibration device powering a new dimension in wellness solutions for all ages, lifestyles and physical abilities. It uses the principles of Acceleration Training™ to stimulate the body’s natural response to vibration. These vibrations transmit waves of energy throughout the body, activating muscle contractions between 25 and 50 times per second, enhancing overall performance in sessions as short as 15 minutes a day, 3 times a week.

Acceleration Training™ on Power Plate® equipment offers a host of benefits, ranging from an immediate improvement in blood circulation, to a variety of other measurable outcomes: such as increased muscle strength and flexibility, improved range of motion, decreased cellulite, increased bone mineral density, reduced pain and soreness and faster recovery. Our three-dimensional vibration technology continues to lead the industry, and its benefits are grounded in extensive academic and independent scientific medical research.

How Does it Work?
Acceleration Training™ with Power Plate® machines creates instability in the human body, as with each vibration the body is forced to perform reflexive muscle actions, 25 to 50 times per second. Furthermore, these contractions must work in multiple dimensions as the Power Plate® machines actually oscillate in all three planes, exactly as the human body is designed to do. The net result is an incredible improvement in force production, or strength and power.

The principle by which Power Plate® machines work lies in the law of motion, stated by Sir Isaac Newton: that the force of an object is equal to its mass multiplied by acceleration, or f = m x a. What this means is that one can improve functional force (stability, strength or power) by either applying more mass or more acceleration to the body. Many forms of training and conditioning use mass - as seen in methods with weight machines, free weights, etc. Power Plate® machines, instead, use the second half of this equation, by applying acceleration to the body, while keeping mass, i.e. your body weight, the same.

This is a real breakthrough in training and conditioning as we can now optimally “load” the human frame while minimizing high impact, high load, and high stress factors. Gravity is the force that adds load to the human body every second of every day for every movement we perform. Through Acceleration Training™ exercise, Power Plate® machines make the body feel as though it “weighs” more every time acceleration forces increase.

The result is that you work against a far greater influence or “load” of gravity in every movement you perform. This is the essence of all strength and conditioning programs and Power Plate® machines simply use a different part of the same equation to achieve this! In fact, the amazing outcomes seen with Acceleration Training™ exercise respect the same biological and physiological laws of the body as witnessed in other forms of training. The difference is merely the nature of the stimulus applied (i.e. acceleration), and not the human response.

Chiro Myths & Facts

As successful as chiropractic has become, there are a lot of myths circulating among the general public. Times have definitely changed for the better, but the fact is that many people still do not understand what chiropractors do. Let's talk about a few of the more common myths about chiropractic.

Myth #1 - Chiropractors are not real doctors.
A chiropractic college grants a D.C. or Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. Chiropractors are licensed as health care providers in every U.S. state and dozens of countries around the world. While the competition for acceptance in chiropractic school is not as fierce as medical school, the chiropractic and medical school curricula are extremely rigorous and virtually identical. In fact, chiropractors have more hours of classroom education than their medical counterparts. As part of their education, chiropractic students also complete a residency working with real patients in a clinical setting, supervised by licensed doctors of chiropractic. Once chiropractic students graduate, they have to pass four sets of national board exams as well as state board exams in the states where they want to practice.

Just like medical doctors, chiropractors are professionals that are subject to the same type of testing procedures, licensing and monitoring by state and national peer-reviewed boards. Federal and state programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Workers' Compensations programs cover chiropractic care, and all federal agencies accept sick-leave certificates signed by doctors of chiropractic. Chiropractors are also commissioned as officers in the military.
The biggest difference between chiropractors and medical doctors lies not in their level of education, but in their preferred method of caring for people. Medical doctors are trained in the use of medicines (chemicals that affect your internal biochemistry) and surgery. Consequently, if you have a chemical problem, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or an infection, medical doctors can be very helpful. However, if your problem is that your spine is mis-aligned or you have soft tissue damage causing pain, there is no chemical in existence that can fix it. You need a physical solution to correct a physical problem. That is where chiropractic really shines. Chiropractors provide physical solutions -- adjustments, exercises, stretches, muscle therapy -- to help the body heal from conditions that are physical in origin, such as back pain, muscle spasms, headaches, and poor posture. Another distinction is the fact that it is completely appropriate to receive chiropractic care even if you do not have symptoms. Unlike standard medical doctors, whom you visit when you have a symptom to be treated, chiropractors offer adjustments to improve spinal alignment and overall well-being before symptoms develop.

Myth #2 - Medical doctors don't like chiropractors.
The American Medical Association's opposition to chiropractic was at its strongest in the 1940s under the leadership of Morris Fishbein. Fishbein called chiropractors "rabid dogs" and referred to them as "playful and cute, but killers" He tried to portray chiropractors as members of an unscientific cult who cared about nothing but taking their patients' money. Up to the late 1970s and early 1980s, the medical establishment purposely conspired to try to destroy the profession of chiropractic. In fact, a landmark lawsuit in the Supreme Court of Illinois in the 1980s found that the American Medical Association was guilty of conspiracy and was ordered to pay restitution to the chiropractic profession.

In the 20 years since, the opinion of most medical doctors has changed: several major studies have shown the superiority of chiropractic in helping people with a host of conditions, and medical doctors developed a better understanding as to what chiropractors actually do. Many people have returned to their medical doctors and told them about the great results they experienced at their chiropractors office. Hospitals across the country now have chiropractors on staff, and many chiropractic offices have medical doctors on staff. Chiropractors and medical doctors are now much more comfortable working together in cases where medical care is necessary as an adjunct to chiropractic care.

Myth #3 - Once you start going to a chiropractor, you have to keep going for the rest of your life.
This statement comes up frequently when the topic of chiropractic is discussed. It is only partially true. You only have to continue going to the chiropractor as long as you wish to maintain the health of your neuromusculoskeletal system. Going to a chiropractor is much like going to the dentist, exercising at a gym, or eating a healthy diet: As long as you keep it up, you continue to enjoy the benefits.

Many years ago, dentists convinced everyone that the best time to go to the dentist is before your teeth hurt, that routine dental care will help your teeth remain healthy for a long time. The same is true of chiropractic care for your spine. It is important to remember that, just like your teeth, your spine experiences normal wear and tear as you walk, drive, sit, lift, sleep, and bend. Routine chiropractic care can help you feel better, move with more freedom, and stay healthier throughout your lifetime. Although you can enjoy the benefits of chiropractic care even if you receive care for a short time, the real benefits come into play when you make chiropractic care a part of your wellness lifestyle.

A closer look at fruit juice. choose wisely!

Imagine this… you have two plastic, fully enclosed glasses sitting in front of you… you can not tell what is inside, but you do have a description sitting beside each glass vaguely outlining its contents.

Glass #2:

• No sugar added, only naturally occurring sugars and associated sweetness.
• No food coloring or dye added.
• Calorie count is minimal, but all calories are natural and well assimilated.
• Nutritional value has been maintained.
• Preservatives have NOT been added to promote your body’s shelf life.

Glass #1:

• Contains large amounts of sugar and is very tasty.
• Red dye color # 478 and is very colorful to look at.
• Enormous calorie count that will allow you to skip other meals.
• Nutritional value has been minimized.
• Preservatives added for better shelf life

If you and your children like fruit juice, choose 100 percent fruit juice instead of sweetened juice or fruit-juice cocktail drinks. While 100 percent juice and sweetened fruit drinks may have about the same number of calories, your children will get more vitamins and nutrients from 100 percent juice.

Fruit juice can be a good source of vitamin C, calcium and other nutrients. Some children don't like eating fruit, so serving juice is one way to get them the two to three servings of fruit they need everyday. Four ounces of juice equals one serving of fruit, but keep in mind that juice lacks the fiber of whole fruit. Although a little fruit juice each day is fine for most children, whole fruit is preferred.

A 2006 study showed that people who drank fruit or vegetable juices more than three times a week were 76 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who drank juice less than once a week.

Follow these simple guidelines in order to make good decision about fruit juice:

• Rule of Thumb: find one with a short ingredient list (100% fruit juice only is a good start)
• Shop in you local “health food” store, or at least where “healthier alternatives” are located
• No artificial sweeteners or added sugars… there is always a better choice than these items
• Compare calorie and sugar content (less is better – usually)
• Don’t drink it at night – too many calories = bad nights sleep and weight gain
• Moderation is key… approximately 12 ounces per day is plenty
• Go for the real thing… real fruit with fiber and all that “other good stuff”
• Try using your blender to create your own fruit juice
• Mix it up… don’t always consume the same thing… blueberry, cranberry, orange, pomegranate, etc.
• Support a company who is trying to support your health by producing a better product
• Vegetable juice may not be as “tasty”, but is even better than fruit juice.

I hope this clears some of the confusion – or at least gives you a sense of direction when it comes to making better decisions about what you put into your body.

Speak up and educate others,
Dr. Craig

The "Race For The Cure". what's the deal?

For the last couple years my wife April and good friends of ours all wake up early on a Sunday morning and drive to Denver. There we participate in an event that I know you are probably familiar with… The Race For The Cure. Each time we leave feeling accomplished for our physical achievement. It is also a great feeling to see people gather and bond in a magnificent way for something meaningful.

However, this time I had a moment that made me ‘sick to my stomach’. Upon completion of the race all participants receive a bag of ‘free goodies’ including water, Sunchips, Power Bars, raisins… and a free sample of Zicam. Zicam… are you kidding me? I am here participating in an event that is supposed to be promoting health instead of disease and they give me a free sample of Zicam?

What is Zicam you say? It is one of the most popular cold remedies on the market. In five years, millions of bottles of Zicam have been sold with the promise that it could shorten the duration of a cold. Now, as a Doctor of Chiropractic I was actually quite offended by this! And here is why...

Look up Zicam on the internet and you might find the following information as I did:

When Ellen Ziegler felt the sniffles coming on last November, she tried Zicam. It stopped her symptoms in three days. But something else stopped, too. “I found over the next week to ten days I had totally lost my sense of smell and taste," Ziegler said.

Zicam contains zinc gluconate, a type of salt. A pump device "splatters" it inside the nostrils.

You put zinc on the olfactory receptor (smell detectors in the brain) and you effectively kill the receptor. It's like pouring acid on an open wound.

Doctors discovered the link to smell loss in the 1930's when they tried to use zinc to prevent polio. It's still widely used to destroy smell in laboratory animals.

If it does this in animals, do we really want to give it to people?

My friend did something that was really quite funny, but was actually more enlightening than funny. She threw the Zicam sample on the ground and screamed, “I don’t need this stuff, I have a Chiropractor”. We all laughed of course, but, looking back now I wonder:

• Why did they put this poison in my bag after I just ran 3 miles to support a good cause?
• Would you recognize this as a mistake/problem as I did?
• Will you come to the same level of understanding as my friend did… choose chiropractic, not drugs?
• Are you scared of a cold or more scared of drug induced side effects? What is worse… a runny nose, cough, and sore throat for 3 days or possibly loosing your sense of taste and smell indefinitely?

Will I Race for the Cure next year? After this incident- I just don’t know why I would. I would rather do a walk-run with each of you in celebration of “better health through chiropractic”. Maybe someday!

Speak up and educate others,
Dr. Craig

How much do you know about Soda?

I don't recommend drinking soda (or even giving it away to a relative or neighbor you don't like), but there are some very practical things you can do with it.

Practical uses for soda include:

1. Cleaning your dirty toilet bowl
2. Removing grease, milk or blood stains from clothes
3. Stopping a jellyfish sting from stinging
4. Getting gum out of your hair
5. Getting rid of skunk odor

Soda is plagued with real dangers. Drinking just one soda a day can increase your risk of being obese by a whopping 60 percent and your risk of diabetes by 85 percent!

On top of that, soda drinkers have a higher throat cancer risk, and many varieties of soda contain a preservative that has the ability to switch off vital parts of your DNA.

If you thought diet soda was better, think again. After carefully reviewing this topic for years I am convinced that artificially sweetened soda is certainly worse. Your body was simply not designed to be exposed to the artificial chemical sweeteners used in diet sodas, and they can result in terrible side effects. For example, there are over 92 different health side effects associated with aspartame (Equal) consumption, including brain tumors, birth defects, diabetes, emotional disorders and epilepsy/seizures.

In spite of all of the dangers, consumers spend down more than $60 billion each year on soda. One of every four drinks consumed is a soft drink, and the annual consumption in the U.S. averages out to more than 56 gallons for every for every man, woman and child. High fructose corn syrup in soda is, in fact, the number one source of calories in the US.

Soda is one of the main nutritional reasons why most people suffer from health problems. It parallels alcohol in one profound similarity. If one drinks all that sugar the appetite is relatively suppressed for nourishing foods like vegetables and that results in nutritional deficiencies. This is independent of all the damage that sugar can do.

We all need about one quart of water for every 50 pounds of body weight. Soda, juice and milk do not count towards this requirement. As a matter of fact, it is very sad to read that the leading source of vitamins and minerals in children's diets comes from juice and milk, both of which should be avoided in a diet for maximized health.

Speak up and educate others,

Dr. Craig

What is your motivating factor?

Good news! After speaking with other chiropractors and the results that they are getting… I am happy to report that we are way above average when it comes to getting results.

I believe this ability is due primarily to our commitment to each and every patient. We want to see you improve as much as possible. This includes a better immune system, better posture, better spinal alignment, improved levels of flexibility and strength, a better functioning Central Nervous System, less pain and discomfort, better sleep, more energy, elevated understanding of how to care for yourself, etc. Many of you will achieve success in all areas, but some will not.

What is the difference between the person that will achieve maximum results and the person that will not? It is primarily the level of commitment or motivation towards bettering yourself. It is the value you place on being at your best. It is the desire to realize what it is like to be living up to your potential.

If your motivation is only guided by “pain or pleasure” when it comes to your health and livelihood- you will fail at living your best life. I see this time after time with patients who do not have strong motivating factors to improve their spine, posture, health, immune system, etc. I notice that they change very little no matter how hard I work, or how much I care about them.

So, how do you find the motivation to achieve maximized results? Let me share with you what helped me succeed when I was undergoing corrective care 9 years ago… my Chiropractor said it like this:

Your spinal problem is affecting your life in a negative way (regardless of how you feel), and by starting care here you are going to confront and attempt to eliminate that problem. In essence, you will be fighting for your health. I will show you the how’s and why’s, the methods and techniques to winning this battle, but it will actually be up to you to determine how you prevail. When you start to slow down in your care plan ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” Remind yourself each and every day until you reach your goal that “you are fighting to get your health back”.

At the time, I thought I understood what he was saying. I fought really hard when it came to traction and exercise, to stretching and maintaining posture at school and at work. I won the battle to regain my health and have been reaping the rewards ever since. However, after practicing for several years now I understand what he was saying even more than I did then. I see each and every patient in a battle of their own to regain their health. Unfortunately, some fail because they can not find the motivating factor that is necessary to succeed.

Not keeping regular with your adjustments and not doing the minimum requirements for traction and spinal exercises is an indication that your motivation and commitment level needs a tune-up.

Speak up and educate others,
Dr. Craig

How do you tell the difference between.

The truth about nutrition or “eating properly” is not hard to find- you just need to look for it. So, how do you get started eating your way to health, more energy, better sleep, less fatigue, better skin, clearer thinking, more positive attitude, etc? First, make sure you have already RSVP’d for the Free Nutrition Seminar scheduled this coming Monday evening at 6:30pm. I know it is hard to make the time after a long day, but you simply can not afford to not educate yourself in the area of proper nutrition. Your health and the health of your family depend on you taking control of your food choices. I can show you how to start that process. This seminar will truly make a difference in your life. Until then here is some food for thought:

How do you tell the difference between “Real Food” and “Food Products”?
While "Food Products" are:

• Produced, manufactured
• Neat, convenient
• Always the same
• Keeps forever
• Instant results
• Dull, bland
• Artificially flavorful
• No connection to land or culture

“Real Food” can be identified because it is:

• Grown
• Messy
• Variable quality
• Goes bad fast
• Requires preparation
• Vibrant colors, rich textures
• Authentically flavorful
• Strong connection to land and culture

A few other suggestions to help you make the distinction:

• If it didn't exist until after 1903 (when the hydrogenation process was invented), it's probably not “Real Food”.
• If it's wrapped in layers of plastic, cardboard and foil, it's probably not “Real Food”.
• If it requires heavy advertising to sell it, it's probably not “Real Food”.

Now, ask yourself this question… what percentage of all the food you consume in any given week is composed of “Food Products” instead of “Real Food”? Realistically the average person is probably in the 80-90% range. If health is a priority to you and your family, that number should remain the same, but instead represent the amount of “Real Food” that you are consuming- not “Food Products”. This can be done easily. Most people just don’t know the what, how or why to “Real Food” consumption. Don’t be that person any longer! Make a change in how you are living and eating!

For more information that will directly affect your quality of life… commit to being present this Monday evening… Please!!!

Speak up and educate others,
Dr. Craig
Seminar signup at the front desk
P.S. this seminar is free, and open to the public… please bring people with you that you care about.

What do you want for your family?

Do you remember when we were just getting your care plan started and you had to read those six pamphlets on health education? Do you recall the statistic regarding how many people will be diagnosed with cancer and heart disease? Let me refresh your memory…

“Approximately five out of every six people in the U.S. will die from heart disease and cancer.” According to this statistic these two diseases seem inevitable. Perhaps they are, IF, you and your family follow the same health patterns and healthcare methods as the people who created this statistic. Your family has a one in six chance of avoiding these two seriously degenerative illnesses- unless you & they do something about it.

Research shows that the vast majority of cancer and heart disease patients could have avoided said health problems if they only knew how to prevent disease in the first place. Specifically, I am referring to a consistent nutrition and exercise program that actually works! But, more importantly, I am referring to maintaining the health of their Central Nervous System. Problems with the Central Nervous System will cause the organs of the body (the immune system and heart) to not function or heal normally. Unfortunately, most people take better care of their cars, pets, plants, and clothing than they do their own bodies. A person’s Central Nervous System is so critical to their livelihood and lifespan! Ask yourself this:

• What happens when a person does little to nothing to preserve optimal nerve function, i.e. health?
• Why is it that we know bad posture is unhealthy, and yet it all starts as children… how long will the insanity of “wait and see”, “if it ain’t broke or painful don’t fix it” approach continue?
• Why is it that most parents do not make it a top priority to actively promote proper growth and development of their child’s posture, spine and nerve system?
• Why do children not get regular spinal-nerve system checkups like they do dental checkups?
• Why do we let our children make the same mistakes we have made?
• When will we understand that Real Chiropractic Health Care is more than just a solution to back pain?

These are tough questions to evaluate, especially when you consider them personally. What do you want for your family… health or disease? Silly question isn’t it? But seriously, what are you doing to make that happen for them? Are they on a health maintenance and disease prevention plan or a “wait and see” crisis management plan? The truth is most kids are not actively involved in the former in anyway whatsoever. This is very sad and unfortunate!

I hope and pray that each and every time we take a new patient into the practice that it will be a turning point for them. I would like to believe that they will not only improve personally, but also discover their role as a leader and health educator in their own family unit. I am hoping that they take what we have to offer and share it with those they know and love. Above all else, I hope they come to understand that what their loved ones need the most is what they are actually receiving themselves… a better functioning Central Nervous System - a body that will not only function better, but last longer as well.

September = Family Health & Wellness Month

During the month of September all family members will receive free evaluations- compliments of Maximized Health Chiropractic.

Please make your appointments at the front desk.

Your family members need to be on a health care plan that actively promotes health and wellness. We promise to give them the health care they need – no matter what! What are you waiting for?

Speak up and educate others,
Dr. Craig

A retired neurosurgeon says "read your labels"

Is your consumption of MSG (monosodium glutamate) doing potential damage to your brain and body?
MSG is an excitotoxin, a type of chemical transmitter that allows brain cells to communicate. The problem is that excitotoxins can literally excite your brain cells to death. Aside from harming your brain, MSG has also been linked to eye damage, headaches, fatigue, disorientation and depression.

Its ever-expanding use by the food industry causes great concern in the medical profession. It is neither a necessary additive, nor a harmless flavor enhancer like common table salt. MSG actually tricks your brain into thinking the food you are eating tastes good. Manufacturers can therefore use inferior ingredients to make a mediocre product seem tastier. Higher profits and low-quality products of little nutritional value prevail at the expense of consumer health.

Children are most at risk from MSG. The blood brain barrier, which keeps toxins in the blood from entering the brain, is not fully developed in children. MSG can also penetrate the placental barrier and affect unborn children as well. Nonetheless, most major brands of infant formula contain some processed free glutamic acid (a form of MSG).

If you are ever going to Take Control of Your Health you will need to take responsibility for ALL the food you eat and be very conscious of avoiding MSG in the processed foods you purchase or restaurant foods you eat.

It is very difficult to really know whether MSG is in your food, because it goes by so many aliases. To avoid ingesting this toxic additive, you’re best off choosing fresh, unprocessed foods. Becoming familiar with the hidden names of MSG can also help you determine what foods to eat- or not eat. Here is just a sampling of ingredients that contain MSG (our nutritional seminar will include a lengthy list):

• Gelatin
• Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP)
• Yeast Extract
• Malted Barley
• Rice Syrup or Brown Rice Syrup

Dr. Blaylock's research on MSG is startling to say the least. He is a world famous neurosurgeon that has written several books on MSG and other “neurotoxins” like aspartame, etc. You can do an internet search and educate yourself and your family about the dangers of these types of food additives.

Unfortunately, MSG is in so many foods that it is truly difficult to completely eliminate it from your diet. I am offering you this information in hopes that you will research the topic of MSG further on your own. Although it may be difficult to completely avoid MSG, look at your food labels- and choose wisely. Your health depends on it!

For more information about MSG, and how to protect health against it, search MSGMYTH.COM.
Speak up and educate others,
Dr. Craig

Power Plate. Less Cortisol & Stress = A Better Day!

The more I research and use the Power Plate personally the more impressed I become with what it has to offer.

Power Plate Training Results include:

• Increased bone mineral density which is a viable solution to reverse bone loss and to eliminate osteoporosis
• Neuromuscular stimulation and enhancement – muscles get stimulated in ways that traditional aerobic/cardio and weight lifting programs can not
• Pain reduction due to the dramatic increase in critical blood flow to muscles and joints throughout the body – enhanced blood circulation
• Improved flexibility, range of motion, balance and equilibrium
• Increased metabolic rate (critical to weight loss)
• Elevated HGH (human growth hormone), collagen (needed for healthy skin) and serotonin production (feel good hormone), while suppressing cortisol (hormone produced by stress)

While cortisol is an important and helpful part of the body’s response to stress, it’s important that the body’s relaxation response be activated so the body’s functions can return to normal. Unfortunately, in our current high-stress culture, the body’s stress response is activated too often, producing excess cortisol and a state of chronic stress. Higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol in the bloodstream (like those associated with chronic stress) have been shown to have negative effects, such as:

• Impaired cognitive performance
• Suppressed thyroid function
• Blood sugar imbalances
• Decreased bone density
• Decrease in muscle tissue
• Higher blood pressure
• Lowered immunity and inflammatory responses in the body, as well as other health consequences
• Increased abdominal fat, which is associated with a greater amount of health problems than fat deposited in other areas of the body. Some of the health problems associated with increased stomach fat is heart attacks, strokes, higher levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL), which can lead to other health problems!

By stepping on the Power Plate you are literally changing your blood chemistry profile, your state of stress, and the course of your day. To me, that is an amazing benefit worthy of keeping your appointments. I use it everyday. With benefits like these, why wouldn’t I take advantage of what it can do for me personally? As a member of this cutting edge healthcare facility, I strongly urge you to do the same.

The Power Plate is not like a “magic” pill, potion, or lotion… it has real benefits, and no side effects! I prescribe it because you need it, and deserve it.

Speak up and educate others,
Dr. Craig

A Preview of what is to come.

As many of you already know I just got back from hiking my first 14er (4 peaks in one day). With 6.5 hours of non stop hiking, I had plenty of time to reflect on the new direction our office is taking. I thought it would be helpful to cue you all in on what new and exciting things we have in store for you. First, we will be adding 2 more Power Plates. Second, we will be launching a new patient education program called “ACTIVE LIVING”. Let me explain what this means for you:

We are attempting to do something that few Doctors have been able to do. We will attempt to dramatically improve the exercise and fitness level of everyone we work with. Many Chiropractors and other healthcare professionals talk to patients about the need for exercise, but few have the ability/desire to actually make it happen. We are going to offer each of you extended time on the Power Plate with every office visit for the following reasons: to improve circulation, to increase strength, to retain or improve bone density, to increase flexibility, improve balance and coordination, to reduce cortisol levels, to improve blood chemistry, etc.

Why is this a big deal to you? You will benefit by having access to highly advanced health and fitness technology- at no cost. I know of several clinics in the U.S. that have the Power Plate, but charge a considerable amount to use it ($40/session). I want everyone in this office to benefit from the Power Plate, with every visit. Although 1-2 minute sessions on the Power Plate is beneficial, a 5 minute workout session of continuous stimulation is far better- I know you will see and feel the difference! We will be teaching you more stretch and exercise routines. We will also be holding periodic “how to” classes that will help you design specific workout programs for your needs. The NEW 5 minute Power Plate workout sessions will help you better experience what this office is all about… Maximized Health and Fitness. We are doing this free of charge not only because you need it, but also because you deserve it!

I have spent a considerable amount of time contemplating how to further improve our patient education system. I am renaming our health seminar series the ACTIVE LIVING PROGRAM. I have come to the conclusion that most people are not living actively, but passively. We are just “getting by” or “going through the motions”, with regard to our level of health and fitness. Living passively with regard to health and fitness is why so many people are so unhealthy. I believe this is primarily due to the fact that we lack the necessary educational and motivational tools required to take control and be proactive. My goal with the ACTIVE LIVING PROGRAM is to help you find the tools to live actively, and play a greater role in how your future state of health unfolds. The information that I will share with you in the ACTIVE LIVING PROGRAM is what I would consider my personal secrets to success… a greater state of health, fitness and happiness. I urge all of you to attend these free, open to the public, health seminars.

More details coming soon…
Stand up, speak up and educate others,
Dr. Craig

A Message From Barbados, Part 2

On the plane ride home from Barbados the following idea came into mind: Why do people need Maximized Health Chiropractic? Do they really, truly need us? Are we a nicety or a necessity?

From last week’s newsletter you can see that a certain lifestyle offers certain benefits, i.e. an active, healthy, stress-free lifestyle inherently promotes health and vitality. On the other hand an inactive, unhealthy, stressful lifestyle will promote a plethora of health problems in addition to pain and discomfort.

So, with this in mind… what kind of lifestyle do you have? Do you exercise everyday as you are designed to? Do you make a strong effort to put highly nutritious foods into your body everyday as you are meant to? Do you take time everyday to quiet your mind, release stress, and center yourself? Do you take the time everyday to think about how your daily activities might be affecting your posture, health and livelihood? In short, are you doing what is necessary to counteract the stresses of modern day living in an effort to promote health and happiness?

The truth is, people are becoming unhealthier even as we become more technologically advanced. Why? Because most of us are ignoring the fundamental requirements of our own bodies! Such as, proper nutrition, regular exercise, normal posture, optimal function of the nerve and immune systems, internal and external stress management, healthy mental state production, etc. All of which require active participation- everyday! And, since our education and healthcare systems are not currently designed to give each of us the necessary tools to do so… we must seek out the solution to this problem on our own.

The BIG question is this… are you living actively or passively?
Think about this… most of our daily activities are creating abnormal, unhealthy postures- and reducing our state of strength and flexibility. What will happen if you don’t do something about that? Most of our exercise and nutritional habits are erroneous and sporadically healthy at best. What can we expect our body’s response will be to this course of action? Every-body must take action if maintaining health and happiness is a priority. Developing a proactive lifestyle is the solution to many of the problems we face- or will face in the future.

Having a proactive lifestyle entails education and awareness, motivation and inspiration, commitment, the help of qualified healthcare professionals, and a personal desire to live the best life possible. This is why people need Maximized Health Chiropractic. We actively promote your ability to thrive and survive, to be as healthy and as happy as you are meant to be. We are more than just a chiropractic office; we are part of the solution to a healthcare crisis!

Speak up and educate others,
Dr. Craig
P.S. We are gearing up for a “new and improved” health seminar series. All health seminars are free and open to the public. More details to come.

A Message From Barbados, Part 1

Believe it or not, even on my own honeymoon in Barbados; I was unable to stop thinking about this office, you, and the purpose by which we operate. Fortunately, my wife is just as excited as I about Maximized Health Chiropractic, and understands my commitment as a Doctor and Educator.

We noticed a dramatic difference in how the people around us moved and carried themselves. There were two distinct categories of people. The tourists, who were mostly from England, and the local Barbadians. The majority of tourists had horrible posture and seemed to waddle about as if their arms and legs were the only moving parts. The natives actually had surprisingly good posture, and moved about rather gracefully.

On the plane ride home I wondered… why such a distinct and obvious difference between these two groups of people. Several minutes later… the theme of this newsletter took form. Two key points of discussion to elaborate upon, and then the conclusion:

1. Healthy posture is a function of habit and lifestyle. The Barbadians that I observed were always working and playing upright – it seems as though their way of life left little time or desire for sitting in front of the television, computer, etc. Their upright posture was a reflection of their habits and lifestyle. It was actually normal, upright, and healthy!
2. Barbados is not nearly as “well developed” as much of America is. As a result the peoples’ activity level is incredibly high in comparison, i.e. walking to the store, manual labor, outdoor recreational activities, etc. In other words, they actually get daily exercise as a result of daily living. The majority of Barbadians we observed were strong, healthy and in seemingly great shape.

So, no evidence of gyms, fitness centers, Chiropractic offices, hospitals, diet programs, weight loss/fitness supplements, and yet most of the people had great posture and appeared very healthy. There must be something to learn from all this, right?

My point is this… these people live a more normal, natural, healthy lifestyle. Now consider your lifestyle and that of those you know and interact with. Consider the habits (posture at work, home, etc.) that are literally damaging the structure of our bodies from the inside-out. Consider your daily dosage of exercise/physical activity… is it really enough to promote health and longevity?

Long story short… you may not be able to change some things like your job, but you can change your habits and lifestyle choices. Remember this… if the balance of your habits and lifestyle choices is not promoting health and longevity- it is probably promoting discomfort and disease.

The average American lifestyle is changing, i.e. we sit at work, in a car, on the couch more than we should; and we exercise or engage in physical activity far less than we should. Yes, we have invented and created a lifestyle that is very efficient, but not very healthy. Where their habits and lifestyle promote health and fitness, our typical lifestyle does the opposite.

There is a solution to this problem. That is why Maximized Health Chiropractic exists.
Speak up and educate others,
Dr. Craig

Crooked teeth, Corrective Stress and Consistency

This week’s message has everything to do with crooked teeth, corrective stress and consistent results. You see the concept of realigning crooked teeth is no different than realigning spinal bones- with one exception… one has the convenience of wearing a brace while the other requires considerably more effort on behalf of the patient. Whether it is a brace or shear effort and will, the process depends on how much corrective stress is directed towards correcting the misalignment.

Often times I wish that correcting spinal problems was easy, or that the Doctor’s role would always determine the outcome. The truth is… it is not easy, and although the skill of the Doctor is a key element, it is actually the patient’s effort that will be the deciding factor.

Corrective stress is anything that will produce positive results or change towards normal and healthy. This will include mirror-image head extension exercises, spinal traction, mirror-image chiropractic adjustments, ergonomic and postural awareness, and lifestyle changes. All these elements must be addressed consistently in order for change to take place. A lack of effort or consistency in any one area will alter the outcome drastically. Unfortunately, I have seen this happen many times with many patients. Whether it is a lack of home traction sessions per week, bad ergonomics, poor postural awareness out of the office, or a lack of head exercises… the result is always the same… poor results.

No matter how much I care or want a patient to change and improve… only so much can happen as a result of my efforts- the rest depends on you!

With that said I urge all of you to mentally recommit yourself to the challenge you face. That is, to improve your body, your health and your life. I ask that you remain diligent and focused on the outcome, which is to regain the health of your spine, posture, nerve and immune system. I am doing everything within my power to make this happen for you. Are you putting forth the same effort? The outcome of our work together depends on it. I will always do my best to remind and motivate you of the task at hand.

As many of you know I will be getting married on July 12^th. I will be taking time away from the office to celebrate the week following. I have made sure that you will not go without proper care while I am away. As a favor, a friend and colleague will be assisting you in maintaining the consistency of your care plan. You will have the opportunity of being cared for by one of the greatest Chiropractors I know. His technique and skill set are virtually identical to mine. We trained together for many years. I trust him fully and I firmly believe that each of you will be in good hands.

I understand that a new face may provide the excuse for you take a break from your care plan until I return. That would be a mistake. I am going to great lengths to provide a detailed plan for Dr. Steven and the rest of the staff so that each of you will still be getting the highest quality care- without interruption! Please take advantage of this Doctor’s presence. He is very excited to meet you and help you!

Stay on course. Don’t slow down. Remain diligent and focused on the course of your care plan. The challenge of regaining your health is not an easy one, but is perhaps the most rewarding should you succeed!

Yours in Maximized Health,
Dr. Craig

GET A NATURAL FACE-LIFT: AVOID SUGAR

If you want to reverse wrinkles and minimize the appearance of aging, you need to avoid refined sugar starting now!

Internationally renowned Microvascular Plastic Surgeon Dr. Lu-Jean Feng was recently interviewed for an article in the May 2, 2007 Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper where she identified refined sugar as the catalyst causing premature aging and wrinkles. “Sugar is very damaging” says Dr. Feng, “I tell people, I can do a face-lift on you, but if you keep eating badly, your face will show it.”

Dermatologist Dr. Fredric Brandt—also known as the skin specialist to the stars—agrees with Dr. Feng. In his book “10 Minutes In 10 Years” Dr. Brandt talks about glycation—the nasty chemical process that occurs in your body each time you eat refined sugar.

Here’s how glycation works: when you eat sugar, the sugar molecules begin to stick to your skin’s protein fibers (think collagen, the elastic material that keeps skin firm and youthful.) The sugar molecules begin to dry out these precious fibers, causing them to lose elasticity and become brittle. As a result, skin becomes more susceptible to wrinkles, sagging and sun damage.

“It doesn’t take a doctor to notice a dramatic improvement in the quality of facial skin once a person reduces the amount of refined sugar in her diet” says Dr. Feng, who is also the Founder and Medical Director of The Lu-Jean Feng Clinic Health & Wellness Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

It’s simple. If you want to look younger, avoid refined sugar. Take this easy and natural step to improving the quality of your life. And remember to include regularly scheduled chiropractic adjustments in your plan for a long and healthy life.

NOTE: Upon return to the office we will be scheduling a series of educational seminars- including a nutritional seminar called “The Un-Diet”. Please keep your eyes open for these seminar dates. I promise to make each workshop worth your time!

Please be sure to stay on track next week. I am very excited for you to meet Dr. Steven O’Dell, who will be covering the practice. Stay focused on your care plan and keep up the good work!

Yours in Maximized Health,
Dr. Craig

HOW TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Your immune system is designed to naturally fight off colds, viruses, infections, diseases, allergies and asthma, even auto-immune disorders. But, if your natural body processes are hindered and unable to function at top level, your immune system—and your health—is put in jeopardy.

Want to boost your immune system easily and naturally? Simply follow these 6 suggestions and you’ll be on your way to maximized health.

CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS
The No.1 best thing you can do to boost your body’s immunity is to get your spine adjusted. Your immune system is a direct extension of your nerve system. The nerve system is what carries messages from your brain to the rest of your body. These messages instruct the body on how to defend itself from sickness and heal itself. But if these vital messages are blocked due to spinal misalignment, your health will begin to fail.

EAT YOUR VEGGIES
Feeding your body leafy green vegetables, fruits and foods high in vitamins A, B, C, D and E all help to strengthen your immune system. These nutrients provide the building materials your body needs to build up and maintain things like clear vision, strong teeth, healthy internal organs, etc.

BREASTFEED YOUR BABY
Babies that are breastfed tend to be far healthier than babies that are fed synthetic formulas out of a can or a box. Breast milk is loaded with antibodies and other immune building nutrients that synthetic formulas just can’t replicate.

DON'T VACCINATE YOUR KIDS
This is a controversial topic, but after decades of studying health and contrasting and comparing cultures that do and do not use vaccines, it’s clear that the harsh chemical formulas of vaccines often cause more harm than help.

DON'T OVER MEDICATE
Stop taking drugs for every problem and ailment that occurs in your body, especially antibiotics which prevent your body from building permanent immunity. Not only can drugs become addictive, but every single drug has a negative side affect. There are many natural and healthy alternatives to medication.

GET MOVING
Regular exercise each day, regardless of how little or how much you take, builds your immune system through increased tissue strength, improved circulation of blood and lymph systems and improved oxygenation of nearly all body tissue. This is just one more reason to get those running shoes, golf clubs and tennis rackets out of the garage.

Conclusion: The health of your immune system is a very important thing to always be conscientious of- your future depends on it! Most people do not understand what their immune system really does, not to mention, how to make sure it keeps working properly. How well is your immune system working? What will you do in the future to make sure that it keeps working properly? Use Chiropractic to your advantage!

Yours in Maximized Health,
Dr. Craig