The Answer Is Not Cheaper Health Insurance

The Answer Is Not Cheaper Health Insurance is courtesy of American Chiropractors Blog

The Answer is You

The presidential election is over and one of the first items to be tackled is the issue of our health care system, especially as it relates to our health insurance. Yet cheaper health insurance will change very little in our health care system. Why? Because cheaper insurance does not lead to better health.

The Problem:

Here is the trick insurance companies play: although each company calls it health insurance, they do not actually care about your health! Health insurance companies care about your health as much as life insurance cares about your life, or as much as your car insurance cares about how your car is functioning.  A better name for health insurance is SICK insurance. The only time you can use it is when you are ill!

Health insurance will cover blood pressure medication, cholesterol medication, and anxiety pills. When was the last time your health insurance paid for a gym membership in order to help get your off those blood pressure drugs naturally? Or for organic food that will help you lower your cholesterol? Or for an anxiety relieving massage and yoga class?  All of these things promote HEALTH, healing and optimal function, but none are covered by health insurance.

The Solution:

If lower cost health insurance will not lead to better health, then what is the key solution to the health care crisis?  It is actually very simple, although not easy. The answer is to take ownership of our own health and to take action!  As long as we keep relying on others for our well being, or blaming our circumstances, we will continue be one of the sickest counties in the world. The only thing that will make a difference is if we each take personal accountability today. We need to be preventative in our health, rather than reactive.

Each of us can do something to make a health change in a positive direction! Set some goals and take action. One example is to eat a salad instead of pasta. Go for a walk instead of binge watching your favorite show. Schedule a consultation with your chiropractor to find out what is causing your problems. If you need some help with setting and achieving health goals, I wrote a great article about that topic here. Whatever you do, don’t procrastinate. Take action today to take control of your health!

If you would like to learn more about how neurologically based chiropractic care can help both you and your family regain your health, click here to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Kevin Kustarz at True Vine Chiropractic.

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Insomnia Gone

Insomnia Gone Read more on: AmericanChiro

Check out Angelina’s Story of Life change!

Years of insomnia gone through the use of specific scientific chiropractic care.

If are struggling with insomnia and would like to see if we can help, Click Here and schedule a free consultation with Dr. Kevin to see how we can help you on the journey.

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Three Steps to Achieve Your Health Goals in 2017

The post Three Steps to Achieve Your Health Goals in 2017 Read more on: ACC Blog

We are a little over a week into the year, which means that a majority of people are still going strong on their New Year’s resolutions. One of the most common goals set every year is related to becoming healthier. So how do we actually “get healthier” and achieve this big goal?  What I have seen at True Vine Chiropractic is that it takes three important steps to make any long-term change.

1. Start with Why 

It is harder to make a long lasting change in your health without knowing why you want to make the change.  Is it because you want to be skinny and look good for your significant other? Or is it because you want to be around for your grandchildren, or even better, your great-grandchildren?  There is no right or wrong “why” – the trick is finding the “why” that will motivate YOU to take action in achieving your goals, even when it may not be comfortable.

2. Make a Plan

Benjamin Franklin has been attributed with saying, “Failing to plan, is planning to fail.”  So, what is your plan?  Is it written down?  Do you have actionable steps?  The best way to create a plan is by starting with the end in mind.  What is the finish line and how do you measure success?  For example:  If you want to lose weight, how much do you want to lose and by when?  Starting with the end in mind will help you take that big goal and break it down into small, achievable steps, which will become the foundation to your plan for success.

3. Get Some Help

Another mistake people make it is trying to do it all on their own.  It extremely hard to reach your goals if you don’t have someone keeping you accountable. My wife, Jennifer, and I hold each other accountable to our goals, but your accountability partner doesn’t have to be a significant other.  It can be a good friend, mentor, or even a professional who has experience in keeping people accountable with their goals..

        *Bonus Step*

I know I said only three steps, but I wanted to leave you with one more step.  That step is, TAKE ACTION TODAY! You will never achieve your health goals if you don’t start taking action. It can be something as small as going on a walk at lunch or making an appointment to see your chiropractor ;).  Every day you wait, the longer the process will take to regain your health.

If are looking to make a change in your health this year and need some help. Click Here and schedule a free consultation with Dr. Kevin to see how we can help you on the journey.

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Doctors don’t do the healing.

The following blog post Doctors don’t do the healing. was originally published on http://www.americanchiropractors.org/

Thought for the Week

Sorry to disappoint you, but a chiropractor will never fix your back!

What we are able to do is restore proper motion in the joints which relieve tension on the nerves and muscles and allow your body to do the healing that it is inherently made to do. As chiropractors, we believe that the body is a perfect organism in its natural state, and all disease comes from a disruption in the body’s proper transmission of signals, by the nerves, which affect its ability to heal and to defend against disease-causing agents.

We never treat disease. We asses to find which spinal levels are subluxated, causing dysfunction, and we adjust it to restore proper nerve flow so the nervous system may work as efficiently and effectively as possible.

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The Power of Words

The following blog post The Power of Words was originally published to ACC

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21

Our words have an extreme amount of power over our life, and can literally dictate our future.  Proverbs says that death and life are in the power of tongue, and that we will eat the fruit of our words. So what fruit are you eating?  Are you speaking about death or life?

It can become really easy during tough times to remain positive.  That being said, the more we speak negativity into our lives the more negative our lives become.  I hear people declaring death on their life all the time.  Whether it be statements such as “I am so sick,” “I am so tired”, or “This economy is so bad, I will never get out of poverty or make it past these bills.” All these statements will lead to more sickness, tiredness, and poverty.

When times are hard it is extremely important to change those negative statements into positives affirmations.  Don’t talk about the way you are, talk about the way you want to be.  Stop telling yourself you are too sick, too tired, or too poor. Change your sick statement to “I am expressing health;” All symptoms are natural God given mechanisms to save our lives.  If we did not have symptoms such as a fever, pain, or coughing we would never be able to live in this world.

Start saying “I am happy, I am healthy, I am terrific! I won’t just survive I will thrive!”  Start each morning by speaking life into your day, with power and positivity, and you will see a difference, that is a promise!

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Do We Need Stronger Drugs?

Do We Need Stronger Drugs? was originally seen on AmericanChiro

Today I was reading an article in the USA Today, and according to the World Health Organization and The Centers for Disease Control, “Super Bugs” pose an extremely serious health threat to our entire country. The report states that these Super Bugs have been created by the use of antibiotics and drugs used to kill what were once, “Not So Super Bugs”.

Since ALL living entities will adapt to their environment over time and against incredible resistance, Medical Experts have created Super Bugs in an attempt to kill Not So Super Bugs. The next statement is a great example of the poor line of thinking that we have, especially in America. The CDC is urging Drug Companies to create stronger drugs in order to kill the Super Bugs…

We know a few things:
1. Super Bugs were once Not So Super
2. They were created by attempting to kill Not Yet Super Bugs with antibiotics and drugs
3. They are a problem because Educated Men made an attempt to eliminate part of God created nature.
4. Nature is responding by becoming so strong it can now kill that which attempted to kill it.
5. DRUGS MADE TO KILL BUGS MAKE BUGS STRONGER

The answer to all of this according to our friends at The CDC, Stronger Drugs!  That line of thinking created these super bugs, so what’s next?  Super “Super Bugs?”  We were all given the innate ability to be healthy and heal, without drugs! When a drug is taken for every runny nose, head cold, or cough; the immune system is weakened, not strengthened. Antibiotics don’t just kill select bacteria; they kill ALL BACTERIA, both good and bad.  That “good” bacteria is one of the strongest defenses against foreign invaders.  Stronger Drugs are not the answer!!!

I urge you to please be informed when dealing with the health of your family.  Don’t just trust the advice from an authority, including me.  Health is the most important asset we have so put the research in to make sure your family is reaching their optimal health!

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An Introduction to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

An Introduction to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is courtesy of ACC Blog

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition that can be characterized by extreme fatigue or tiredness that isn’t resolved with rest and is not explained by any other medical condition.

What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Currently, the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome are not well understood. There are a few theories that include viral infections, psychological stress, or a combination of factors. Since there is no definitive cause of this condition, and given the fact that many conditions have similar symptoms, CFS can be very difficult to diagnose. As such, it is considered a “diagnosis of exclusion,” which means that your doctor has to rule out any other underlying causes of your symptoms first. If they can find no other cause for your symptoms, you may be diagnosed with CFS.

Potential Causes of CFS

• Emotional or physical or hormonal disturbances
• Nutritional deficits
• Infection or immunosuppression
• Overtraining
• Trauma, injury
• High-altitude training
• Anxiety or depression

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome vary from individual to individual. However, there are some common symptoms. In order to be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome you have to have at least four of the following symptoms for a period of up to six months:

• Fatigue that lasts more than six months (the most common symptom)
• Loss of memory or concentration
• Chronic insomnia
• Muscle pain
• Frequent headaches/sore throat
• Multiple joint pain
• Tender and swollen lymph nodes

 …

Treatment Options

1. Lifestyle changes
   • Limit or eliminate caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine intake
   • Create a sleep routine. Check out these tips to get you started

2. Physical therapy
   • Exercise routines tailored specifically to you, which your chiropractor can help you with! Graded exercise therapy has been shown to help with CFS
   • Acupuncture, tai chi, yoga, and massage have also been shown to reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome

3. Psychological therapy
   • Consider taking part in a cognitive behavioural program or mindfulness meditation

If you’ve already been diagnosed with CFS, a chiropractor can help tailor a specific treatment plan geared to you.

 

References

1 CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). Healthline website. Last reviewed August 22, 2017. https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-fatigue-syndrome#outlook. Accessed February 12, 2018.
2 Shephard RJ. Chronic fatigue syndrome: an update. Sports Med. 2001;31(3):167-94.

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Are You Average?

The following post Are You Average? is republished from AmericanChiro

“Average” is what the failures claim to be when their family and friends ask them why they are not more successful?

“Average” is the top of the bottom, the best of the worst, the bottom of the top, the worst of the best. Which of these are you?

“Average” means being run-of-the-mill, mediocre, insignificant, an also-ran, a nonentity.

Being “average” is the lazy person’s cop-out; it’s lacking the guts to take a stand in life; it’s living by default.

Being “average” is to take up space for no purpose; to take the trip through life, but never to pay the fare; to return no interest for God’s investment in you.
Being “average” is to pass one’s life away with time, rather than to pass one’s time away with life; it’s to kill time, rather than to work it to death.

To be “average” is to be forgotten once you pass from this life. The successful are remembered for their contributions; the failures are remembered because they tried; but the “average,” the silent majority, is just forgotten.

To be “average” is to commit the greatest crime one can against one’s self, humanity, and one’s God. The saddest epitaph is this’ “Here lies Mr. and Ms. Average — here lies the remains of what might have been, except for their belief that they were only “average.”  -Edmund Gaudet

We have been trained as a society to not only live an average personal life, but to also live an average life when it comes to our health and well being.  I often hear people say they think they are doing well because they are healthier than their peers who are “sick,” or because they have no pain.

In those same conversations they will also tell me that they get the “normal” headaches, have trouble sleeping, or are taking blood pressure pill and cholesterol drugs so their blood pressure and cholesterol is “normal.” Normal does not mean the same thing as Average.  Being sick and taking drugs is not normal, it is what the average American does, but it is not normal.  Normal according to scientific research is living 80-112 years in PERFECT HEALTH.

At True Vine Chiropractic we are committed to helping your family break away from average and live the healthy and happy life you were created for.  We do this by connecting you and your family to the innate healing power within and empowering you to live a life without fear of sickness or disease.  Thank you for choosing True Vine and keep up the great work and be extraordinary!

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How do you spot a healthy carbohydrate?

How do you spot a healthy carbohydrate? was first published to http://www.americanchiropractors.org

Last month we were discussing sugar in your diet; how too much can lead to joint inflammation, and the pros and cons of different substitutes. Now it’s time to talk about carbohydrates, which are an essential part of a healthy diet.

Carbs are the most common source of energy for most living organisms. Once consumed, they turn into glucose in your body, providing energy for muscle and brain function. They can be found in the food we eat every day such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and milk products.

Essentially, we could get all our nutrients from protein and fats. One gram of carbohydrates is equivalent to 4 kilocalories of energy, similar to protein, while fats provide 9 kilocalories of energy per gram.

Although it is possible to survive on a low-carb or zero-carb diet, that may not the best choice. There are many carbohydrate-rich foods that are healthy and beneficial to your diet, for instance, fruits and vegetables. Carbohydrates are often blamed for weight gain, however, being able to distinguish healthy and unhealthy carbs can actually help you maintain a healthy weight.

Healthy carbs are:

• Low or moderate in calories
• High in nutrients
• Devoid of refined sugars and refined grains
• High in natural fibre
• Low in salt
• Low in saturated fat
• Very low in, or devoid of, cholesterol and trans fats
• Examples: Vegetables, whole fruits, lentils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains

 …

Unhealthy carbs are:

• High in calories
• Full of refined sugars, like corn syrup, white sugar, honey, and fruit juices
• High in refined grains like white flour
• Low in many nutrients
• Low in fibre
• High in salt
• Sometimes high in saturated fat
• Sometimes high in cholesterol and trans fats
• Examples: Sugary drinks, fruit juices, white bread, cookies, cakes, ice cream, candy, chocolate, French fries, and potato chips

The current dietary requirements according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that healthy adults should consume up to 45–65% of their calories from carbohydrates, which is approximately 200 to 300 grams of carbohydrates per day.

Learn more about refined sugars and how to read your nutrition label:

• 6 Fast Facts about Nutrition Labels
• 2 of the Best Sugar Substitutes

..

Chiropractors are trained in nutrition. If you have any questions regarding your diet speak to your community chiropractor.

 

Reference Materials

1. Coffman, M. What percentage of my daily calories should come from carbohydrates? SF Gate. Available at: http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/percentage-daily-calories-should-come-carbohydrates-1810.html. Accessed February 8, 2018.

2. Szalay, J. What are carbohydrates? Live Science. July 14, 2017. Available at: https://www.livescience.com/51976-carbohydrates.html. Accessed January 19, 2018.

3. Nordqvist C. What you need to know about carbs. Medical News Today. Last updated October 17, 2017. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161547.php. Accessed January 26, 2018.

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What are Trigger Points? Here are 5 things that might help

What are Trigger Points? Here are 5 things that might help is available on ACC

A trigger point can be described as a spot or point in a muscle that refers a sensation, be it pain or weakness, to another area of the body. For example, a trigger point in your upper trap muscle may cause a referral pattern into the side of the head, behind the ear (see Figure 1).

Trigger points are very common and can occur within any muscle of the body. Patients that have trigger points often report persistent pain that results in decreased range of motion of that muscle. The most common muscles affected are in the head and neck area, which can lead to the development of other symptoms such as headaches, jaw pain, ringing in the ear, and eye pain.

Causes of Trigger Points

• A recent or long-term injury
• Lack of exercise
• Poor posture over long periods of time
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Sleep disturbances
• Work-related or recreational activities that cause repetitive stress

 …

There are many ways to manage trigger points, including:

• Acupuncture
• Manual therapy (such as chiropractic care)
• Massage
• Non-invasive modalities such as ultrasound, laser, or electrical stimulation (for example, a TENS machine, which sends small electrical pulses through the skin to change the way pain signals are sent to the brain)
• Steroid injections (which allow medical doctors to deliver medicine directly to the site of injury to decrease inflammation)

 …

Things you can do to prevent or improve trigger points:

1. Exercise: Regular, gentle exercise is an important part of keeping our muscles nimble and preventing them from seizing up. Here are some exercises to get you started.
2. Improve posture: Did you know that how you sit and stand can have a long-term impact on your health? Be aware of where you put your stress. People commonly put stress and tension on their low back or neck. Check out these tips to improve your posture, which can help reduce trigger points.
3. Regulate your diet: This might surprise you, but getting a proper balance of vitamins and minerals in your diet can help prevent trigger points from happening or getting worse. It’s always good practice to follow a well-balanced diet. Here are some helpful tips for reading food labels for nutritional information.
4. Get enough sleep: You’ve probably heard this more than once, but sleep is important for your body in many ways, including giving your body enough time to restore and repair itself after a day’s worth of activities. Here are a few things you can do to boost your sleep quality and get you into a routine for a good night’s sleep.
5. Stretch: Whether you’re at work or playing recreational sports, always remember to stretch before and after. Try using the Straighten Up Canada app to help improve your spinal health.

If you are experiencing persistent muscle or nerve pain, see your community chiropractor for more information.

 

Resources

1Image Source: http://www.gustrength.com/muscles:trapezius-location-actions-and-trigger-points.

2Alvarez DJ, Rockwell PG. Trigger points: diagnosis and management. Am Fam Physician. 2002;65(4):653­–62.

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The Paradigm Shift that Can Transform the World

The Paradigm Shift that Can Transform the World Read more on: http://www.americanchiropractors.org

Our whole life we have been led astray.  We have been made to believe that the better we feel the healthier we are.  As a result, we have created a society where we value getting relief over true health and healing.  While it seems logical to want to feel better, it has led to us having chronic, preventable, debilitating diseases.  

It is human nature to want to avoid pain as much as possible.  However, pain is a normal function of the body.  Pain is what protects us from injuring ourselves further.  If I sprain my ankle while running, pain and inflammation are the result.  These innate responses are here to help, not harm us.  Inflammation is how we heal ourselves, and the pain is to make sure we don’t use the foot while that healing is taking place.  Here is where we make the mistake, we are taught to rest, ice, compress, and elevate that ankle while taking an Advil or Ibuprofen.  All of these actions are done to make the body “heal quicker.”  If you follow the office on Facebook you might have read that a lot of research is coming out against the whole idea of RICE.   Your ankle will feel better faster; however by stopping the inflammatory healing process, your ankle will take longer to heal, and that may end up causing a chronic condition.

This is just one small example of how we have been taught to sacrifice our overall health for temporary relief.  In fact, we don’t have a “health care” system in this country; we have a “relief care” system whose only purpose is to cover up symptoms.

There are two types of symptoms your body produces; those that WARN you and those that HEAL you and both are great for you.  Anytime you do something to suppress a symptom you are either stopping the healing process of your body, or covering up the warning signal.  Whether it’s pain, inflammation, fever, cough, sneezing, aches, or depression; stopping these symptoms from expressing themselves leads to a better feeling, but more diseased body.

We have spent the past 5,000 years looking for the “cures of disease.”  The end result is thousands of ways to cover up symptoms.  I suggest that instead of blocking our symptoms, we begin to search for what causes health.  If this switch happens we will see more progress in health in the next 50 years than we have in the past 5,000 years combined.

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Winter Fitness versus Winter Hibernation

Winter Fitness versus Winter Hibernation was originally published on http://www.americanchiropractors.org

Winter fitness is critical in cold climates. Your heart, lungs and muscles know no season. We all need regular exercise and activity to stay healthy regardless of how cold it is outside.

If you hibernate during the winter, it will have fitness consequences. Not paying attention to winter fitness in your 20’s will be different than in your 60’s. The consequences for cumulative poor health choices snowball as we get older. As with any health habit, consistency is the key to fitness.

In your 20’s and early 30’s, you have an opportunity for building speed and power that will be unlike any time in your life. As we watch the Olympics, we realize the competitors are all young. Not young as in “50 is the new 30” young. As in actual young—25.

When a 30 year old chooses not to participate in winter fitness, they are going to lose their athletic performance but odds are, in a month they will gain it back quickly. Between 20-35 is really the time to pay attention to intervals. Core training to keep your body from becoming injured is also critical. Now is also the time to take care of little injuries and get yourself back in the game. How many of us know 55 year olds who are still blaming that bum knee they injured in high school for their 50 lb weigh gain?

As we reach middle age, between 35-50 you have the opportunity to build your endurance if you pay attention to winter fitness. Consistency becomes much more important as you lose your fitness a lot quicker than when you were young. Those years are the most easy to fall off the bus with raising kids and traveling for work. When you are short on time, make sure to still get it done. If you need to start bike commuting to work to make sure you get exercise, do it. If you have an opportunity to do a workout class at lunch through your company, take advantage of it. Injuries will inevitably limit when you can do. My choice at 35 was continuing to play tennis and be sore all the time or find something without so much stop and start. If this age group takes the winter off, they will lose their entire base or habit.

If you can’t do your full workout, at least do a partial workout each day to keep it top of mind. Instead of watching your kids sports practices, do your own workout.

As you hit the 50-65 year demographic, hopefully you start to find more time for yourself. Now is the time to set your body up for a happy retirement. If you’ve let others rule your calendar, now is the time to recommit. Some of the fittest people I know are in their 50’s and 60’s. Fitness has been a life long habit and priority for them. If it hasn’t been for you, it is never to late to start. With some quality instruction and consistent chiropractic care for the injuries that inevitably pop up, you can become fitter.

How you manage your excuses now will determine how you spend your retirement. Will you still be hiking and biking? Or will you be making excuses for your injury from 30 years ago? As a reminder, manage your joint health NOW. At Active Family Chiropractic, we can help you.

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What is Health?

What is Health? is available on ACC Blog

Almost everyone says that health is their biggest asset.  For example when a mom is pregnant and she is asked about what sex she wants the baby to be, her response is almost always, “I don’t care just as long as the baby is healthy.”

So if health is the biggest asset we have, what is the definition of health?  The scary part is that I can ask a room of 20 people that same question and get 20 different answers!  Most of the definitions are some version of “health is when I fell good and am out of pain.”  Although that is the most common answer, it is a very flawed thought process that in my opinion is a contributing factor in America’s healthcare crisis.

Symptoms are not a good indicator of health! Five out of six people with heart disease or cancer have no symptoms.  The have no symptoms, but are definitely not healthy.   In the same light symptoms are actually good things.  For example, look at a fever.  A fever is the body’s natural defense against foreign invaders.  It strengthens the immune system during an infection and helps to build protection for future infections, among other things.  So does it make sense to artificially lower a fever?  NO!

Health is how you function! Your nervous system is the master control system of the whole body and controls and coordinates the function of the body!  So since that is true it makes sense that in order to reach optimal health, it is extremely important to have a properly functioning nervous system.   That is my goal as you chiropractor; we remove the interference in your nervous system so that you can reach optimal health.   It is that simple.

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2 of the Best Sugar Substitutes

The following blog post 2 of the Best Sugar Substitutes is republished from AmericanChiro

Sugar, particularly refined sugar, is present in a large amount of the foods we consume regularly.

“Refined” refers to a chemical process that sugar goes through to remove impurities and, consequently, happens to remove beneficial nutrients. Too much refined sugar can lead to many health problems, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Cutting back on sugar is a part of a healthy lifestyle. You may consider replacing refined sugar with sugar substitutes, but it can be confusing to navigate your options and make a healthy choice.

Here are two of the best sugar substitutes you can use to swap out refined sugars:

Natural Sweeteners

Natural sweeteners are thought to be healthier than table sugar or other sugar substitutes because they are less processed. However, the vitamin and mineral content in natural sweeteners are not significantly different than regular sugar.

Natural sweeteners have a high caloric value but are more slowly absorbed and metabolized in the body leading to lower and slower rise in blood sugar. As such, natural sweeteners are good for individuals with diabetes, but not so much for weight loss and dieting.

Examples

• Honey
• Fruit juices and nectars
• Molasses
• Maple syrup
• Agave

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar alternatives that may be made from naturally occurring substances. While they aren’t the healthiest sugar option, they are an attractive alternative to refined sugar because they do not add any extra calories to the diet and are generally much sweeter than regular sugar. A little goes a long way with artificial sweeteners. However, be cautious when using artificial sweeteners in place of sugar.

Examples

• Aspartame
• Sucralose
• Stevia

Hidden Culprits

Look out for the following terms that are different ways of saying refined sugar:

• Words ending with the suffix “-ose” such as sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose dextrose, lactose
• High fructose corn syrup
• Evaporated cane juice
• Fruit juice concentrates
• Cane crystals
• Corn sweetener

Consider making a habit of checking food labels for hidden refined sugars where you might not expect it, such as condiments, pasta sauces, breakfast cereals, and crackers to name a few.

Click here for some tips to help you navigate food nutrition labels.

Your chiropractor is educated in basic nutrition when it comes to inflammation. Sugar is one common source of inflammation in the body, which can contribute to existing muscle or joint pain. Talk to your local chiropractor for more information about how your diet can be impacting your spine, muscle, or nervous system and to learn more about how you can manage your sugar intake.

 

Resources

Artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes. Mayo Clinic Website. 2018. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/artificial-sweeteners/art-20046936. Accessed January 8, 2018

from American Chiropractors Directory - Feed http://www.americanchiropractors.org/chiro/2-of-the-best-sugar-substitutes/

8 Tips for Winter Walking

The blog post 8 Tips for Winter Walking is courtesy of http://americanchiropractors.org/

Whether you’re going outside for some exercise, running an errand, or simply getting to and from a vehicle, winter walking can be hazardous.

There are some precautions you can take to make sure you get to your destination safely. Here are 8 tips to avoid a slip and fall on snow or ice:

1. Choose the right footwear: there are some great options for winter boots that provide slip-resistance. Look for these features: rubber soles, non-slip tread
2. Plan ahead: Give yourself extra travel time so you can walk without being rushed
3. Don’t be distracted: Avoid walking and using your phone at the same time
4. Be on the lookout for ice: Avoid icy patches when possible. When in doubt, assume that all dark and wet pavement surfaces are slippery
5. Be prepared: If you don’t have salt for your stairs, driveway, or walkway, use sand or non-clumping cat litter to sprinkle on icy surfaces outdoors. If possible, only walk on paths that receive maintenance. Don’t take shortcuts where snow isn’t regularly removed
6. Use support: Use handrails when available and steady yourself on the door frame of your car when getting in and out of a vehicle
7. Don’t compromise your balance: Avoid carrying items in your arms as that may cause you to be unbalanced. Walking with your arms swinging at your sides is the best way to maintain balance. Make sure to keep your hands out of your pockets to help with balance and walking posture (don’t forget your gloves)
8. Walk like a penguin: When the terrain is super slippery, try practising these “penguin-like” techniques for stability:
   • Keep your feet “flat-footed” (place your whole foot down at once—this also slows your walking speed)
   • Take short strides or shuffle your feet forward
   • Keep your knees slightly bent and feet pointed out. Lean forward slightly

Make sure to check for weather updates before you heard out and sign-up for weather notifications. Take care of yourself this winter!

If you’re experiencing any winter-related aches and pains, reach out to your local chiropractor.

More resources for winter health:

• 9 Tips to Stay Active during the Winter Months
• How Lack of Sunshine Can Impact Bone Health
• Tips for Fighting the Winter Blues
• 7 Ways to Make Your Snow Shovelling Safer
• Shovel Light

from American Chiropractors Directory - Feed http://www.americanchiropractors.org/chiro/8-tips-for-winter-walking/

TrueVine Chiropractic – Marshall Story

The article TrueVine Chiropractic – Marshall Story is courtesy of http://americanchiropractors.org/

TrueVine Chiropractic – Marshall Story from True Vine Chiropractic on Vimeo.

Healthy by choice, not by chance.

We are consistently told that our health problems come from either genetics or bad luck, and that once we are sick, the best we can do is control and cover up symptoms.  At True Vine Chiropractic, however, we know that there is always a cause for health problems and the best way to heal is to find and correct the cause.

The post TrueVine Chiropractic – Marshall Story appeared first on TrueVine Chiro.

from American Chiropractors Directory - Feed http://www.americanchiropractors.org/chiro/truevine-chiropractic-marshall-story/