Tip of the Month

Why Children Act Up! And What You Might To Do About It...

Raising children is one of the most challenging things you can ever do. Sometimes, they are your little angels and other times, your little devils.

The most difficult thing may be identifying what causes each behavior. It would make things a lot easier around your house if you knew exactly what to do to raise the perfect child, wouldn't it?

Well, while there is no "perfect formula," there are known (and common) reasons why some children misbehave. Just knowing and understanding these reasons can go a long way to creating a well-balanced child... and giving you some sanity!

The first and possibly biggest reason children misbehave is simply because they are trying to figure out the whole new and enormous world around them. The way they do this is to TEST BOUNDARIES. As they develop, they will test or push whatever boundaries and limitations their parents have established. Unfortunately, many times, limitations and boundaries are weak - if existent at all.

Boundaries must be strong and enforced CONSISTANTLY. A lack of consistency leads to a confused (and difficult) child. Since consistency is probably the most important factor, any difference between boundaries you set and your children have at school can cause a problem. Without consistency, children do not feel safe and comfortable. The world around them becomes a very strange and uninviting place. The end result is a greater level of testing of boundaries and increased stress.

This can also occur with separated or divorced parents. Oftentimes a "good cop - bad cop" dynamic takes place. One parent tries to set and enforce the rules, while the other is the "fun" parent who gives the child anything they want in an attempt to win them over. The child usually favors this parent in the short term, but ends up with behavior problems. The best thing to do is talk to your children's teachers and find out what is going on. The same holds true with separated parents. Although easier said than done, children must be put first.

Also, make sure your expectations are within your child's developmental stage. In other words, do not expect a 2 year old to have the attention span of a 5 or 6 year old. Make sure your children understand what is expected of them.

Children are much more likely to act up when they are hungry, tired or bored... so, make sure you have a daily routine that meets all these needs. It is much easier to stay ahead of these basic needs than try to play catch-up once it is too late.

One of the most important things to remember is that children mimic the behavior of their parents. "Do as I say, not as I do" doesn't cut the mustard. If you don't want your kids to yell or swear but you and your spouse yell and swear at each other frequently, then you are in for a long, hard parenting road.

Did You Know?

When most people think of burns, fire and heat usually come to mind. While it is true that heat is the leading cause of tissue damage known as a "burn", a burn can also be caused by radiation (like a sun burn), friction, electricity, and chemicals.
Most burns, other than the most severe, can be safely and effectively treated with natural home remedies.

Burns are characterized by degree, based on the severity of the tissue damage. First-degree burns cause redness and swelling in the epidermis (the outermost layers of skin). Second-degree burns also involve redness and swelling, as well as blistering and the damage may extend beneath the epidermis to the deeper layers of skin (the dermis). Third-degree burns destroy the entire depth of skin and usually result in scarring. The damage may extend to underlying fat, muscle, or bone.

The wonderful Aloe Vera plant is a top choice for healing and soothing burns. Since the active ingredient (acemannen) breaks down quickly, fresh inner leaf fillets are much preferred. Fresh Aloe Vera quickly soothes painful burns and often heals even serious burns with little or no scarring.

Lavender essential oil is a very effective antiseptic that also reduces pain and promotes rapid healing. In addition, lavender reduces scarring. When lavender oil is applied to a burn very quickly, the burn may heal with no scarring at all. For larger burns, pour lavender oil onto gauze or a cloth and apply the gauze to the burn every few hours.

A wonderful and widely available household first aid item for healing and soothing burns is diluted vinegar. Cover the burn area with a cloth soaked in diluted vinegar and refresh the vinegar compress as often as needed, especially if the pain returns.

Another good household item is honey, especially raw honey. Honey has wonderful antiseptic and healing properties. Researchers in India found burns dressed with honey healed faster and with less pain and scarring.

Another age old remedy is potato peels. Potato peels provide moisture and they also have anti-bacterial properties. Doctors have found potato peel bandages work better for minor burns than conventional dressings.

Vitamins A, C, and E aid in the healing process for burns and other wounds.

Zinc can help with healthier skin after the burn, as well as a quicker recovery time. Severe burns often heal with little or no scarring. Note: In the case of any very severe burn, seek professional medical care immediately.

Sunscreen May Cause Cancer?

Most people don't know this, but the sun has three types of "rays," not just two.

The first is UVC. This ray usually does not reach our planet's surface and this is good because it is believed only brief exposure to UVC rays is fatal.

Next, are UVB rays. These have long been considered the "tanning rays." They are strongest during the summer months when the Earth's orbit is closest to the Sun. UVB rays are what produce a "sun tan."

For many years, sunblocks and sunscreens only attempted to block UVB because science was unaware of the effects of UVA rays (the third type of sun ray) on the body.

UVA was believed to be the safe ray in the 1980s, which spawned the growth and popularity of the artificial sun bed industry - some dermatologists even backed this artificial tanning! But, science now believes UVA rays actually do more damage than UVB rays! UVA rays are not dependant on how far the Earth is from the Sun - so the effects are the same all year round.

What's more, UVA penetrates light clothing and car windshields... even many hats. Over-exposure to the sun has been linked to premature aging and even deadly skin cancer...
Which Brings Us To The Second "Truth"

Limit exposure to the harmful rays of the sun by using high SPF sunscreens and sunblocks. For years, the sunblock industry has been booming with the promise their products protect you from the sun's aging and cancerous rays.

But, research now says these "truths" are not so "true."

For example, there is no consensus whether sunscreens prevent skin cancer. According to the Environmental Working Groups' (ewg.org) finding, "The Food and Drug Administration's 2007 draft sunscreen safety regulations say: FDA is not aware of data demonstrating that sunscreen use alone helps prevent skin cancer."(FDA 2007).


The International Agency for Research on Cancer agrees. IARC recommends clothing, hats and shade as primary barriers to UV radiation and writes "sunscreens should not be the first choice for skin cancer prevention and should not be used as the sole agent for protection against the sun"(IARC 2001a). Even worse, there is evidence emerging that sunscreen may actually INCREASE THE RISK OF SKIN CANCER!

Researches speculate the cause(s) may be lack of UVA protection by most sunscreen for over 30 years, improper usage, staying in the sun longer with sunscreens and some of the ingredients. One big problem is the SPF (sun protection factor) myth.

In 2007, the FDA published draft regulations that would prohibit manufacturers from labeling sunscreens over 50 SPF. The FDA stated that anything over 50 SPF was "inherently misleading." Even an SPF of 50 can be misleading because of the way most people use sunscreen. In the real world, tests show people apply only one-half to one-fifth of the amount used when testing the sunscreen. A person using one-fourth the amount of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 only actually gets an SPF of 2.3. The same person using a sunscreen with SPF 100 ends up with only SPF 3.2. (The math is exponential, that's why there are such drastic reductions in SPF.)

Then, there are the potential problems with the ingredients found in sunscreens. For example, oxybenzone, a common ingredient, is a known hormone disruptor. Retinyl palmitate (a form of Vitamin A also commonly used in sunscreens) may increase the risk of skin cancer.

According to Environmental Working Groups, "The publicly available data from FDA's new study suggest that when used in sun-exposed skin care products, retinyl palmitate and related chemicals may increase skin damage and elevate skin cancer risk instead of protecting the skin."Also, according to Environmental Working Groups, 41% of all sunscreens contain retinyl palmitate.

All of this may be surprising but what's even more shocking is that the FDA first issued draft sunscreen regulations in 1978 and last updated the draft in 2007. The regulations are still not final, despite multiple announcements of impending completion. Until the agency formally issues its rules, companies are not required to verify their sunscreens work, including testing for SPF levels, checking waterproof claims or providing UVA protection. Nearly one in eight sunscreens do not block UVA rays. Many carry the seal of "The Skin Cancer Foundation." According to the Environmental Working Groups, "The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) lends its logo to hundreds of sun protection products. SCF approval is easy, just document that your product has an SPF of at least 15 and provide results of basic tests (for SPF, skin reactions and water and sweat resistance, if such claims are made). SCF also requires that companies pay a $10,000 donation to join the Foundation's 'Corporate Council' in order to have their products approved."

Confused? If you are, then you are not alone. Here's something that will make the most of the confusion disappear... Since sunscreens are probably not as safe as once thought, the best thing to do is stay out of the sun during its peak hours (10:00am - 2:00pm) and whenever possible, wear protective clothing instead of chemicals. Don't forget, some sun is absolutely necessary for Vitamin D production and proper health. The amount of sun you should get depends on your skin type but you should NEVER burn.

Tip Of The Month

Why Human Nature Is KILLING You!
Lose Fat, Get In Shape, And Become Healthier...
The Real Way!

Do me a favor. Just for a moment - forget EVERYTHING you know (or think you know) about weight loss, getting in shape and living a healthy life. If you do, there is a very good chance you will get results you never dreamt possible.

Let's see if we can do that for you... Shall we? First, we have to talk a little about...HUMAN NATURE. Why? Human nature is one of the biggest forces behind why we do what we do. Human nature silently influences (and even controls) most of our actions... whether we know it or not. And, if we don't know about it, we tend to make very bad and unrealistic choices.

For example, what if you had two offers. One for $1 million dollars, but you had to work hard for the next 5 years to get it. The second offer is also for $1 million dollars, but without doing anything whatsoever to earn it. No work... Just Cash The Check!

Which one would you choose?

If you are like most people... you'd take the no-work deal. Sure, a cool million over 5 years is darn good, $200,000 a year. But... sitting on the beach, sipping a tasty beverage with that same cash is much better! That, my friends, is human nature. It is not right, wrong or indifferent - it just is - we follow, what seems to be, the path of least resistance.

Now let's take weight loss and staying in shape. You have three choices:(1) Purchase a diet pill... take it... and wake up thin. No exercising or eating right. (2) Purchase a "secret" exercise program or piece of exercise equipment, put in a few minutes a day for a very short period of time and look like a swimsuit model. Big results for very minimal effort. (3) Follow a strict diet, which includes not eating many of the foods and treats you love, exercise vigorously several times a week, see results slowly over time - and do this for the rest of your life.

Which One Are You Going To Choose? Odds are it's either #1 or #2 because millions and millions make that choice every year. The population keeps getting more and more overweight and it's all because HUMAN NATURE leans on you to make the easy choice or what SEEMS to be the easy choice at the time. We all know, in the end, it is much more difficult to take the easy way out than to do it correctly from the beginning. If you are not in the shape you would like to be or as healthy as you could be - deep down inside you know this to be true.

And let's be honest: we all know #3 (or a version of it, depending on your goals, age etc.) is the REAL way to get in shape, lose weight and stay healthy. Come on! Fight it! Fight that human nature telling you to tell me to shove it! Telling you there is an easier way! Telling you that you can swallow the next wonder fat burner discovered in some remote part of the rain forest... eat a half gallon of Hagen Daz... and wake up thin!

Instead, make the commitment to do it right. Do it the REAL WAY... Talk to your Chiropractic Physician and he or she will help you create a road map to the success you are looking for. They can help you lay everything out, so you do the right things at the right times to maximize your efforts. And yes, it does take effort. Consistent effort. And it all starts with the decision you make... right now.

So what's it gonna be: 1, 2 or 3?

Did You Know ?

Physical Activity Prevents Heart Disease... There's no doubt about it!

Physical in-activity is a cause of premature coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease refers to blockages (plaques) in the arteries that provide oxygen and nutrients to your heart muscle.

Your heart beats 100,000 times a day, every day, year after year - what an amazing organ! It must have a reliable blood supply. In fact, 12% of all deaths in the U.S. are attributable to lack of regular physical activity, including at least a doubling of the risk for heart attacks or sudden cardiac death.

How does exercise contribute to improved heart health? Exercise improves the lipid profile: reduces trigylcerides and raises HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol"); prevents and treats type 2 diabetes; reduces the systemic inflammation that plays a role in development of atherosclerosis; lowers blood pressure; and helps with weight control.

Who Else Wants To Add 12 Years To Your Life?

I don't know about you, but I bet if you asked most people on their death beds if they would like to have another 12 years, they would say...

"Heck Yeah!"

Well, if you would like to add 12 years to your life... it may be possible. And it may be simpler than you think. Here is why...

Bad Habits. Everyone's got them, and we all make excuses why they are okay... Life is short... You gotta have some fun some times... My career is stressful so it's okay to have a vice...

Blah, Blah...BLAH!

Just like bad habits - everyone's got excuses, too. However, just because a behavior is common with a plethora of excuses, it doesn't make it any less deadly.

For example, a new study published in the April 26 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, shows people who smoke, drink, rarely exercise and skimp on fruits and vegetables die younger - with a death risk of someone 12 years older!

In the study, 4,886 people age 18 or older were interviewed in 1984-1985. Participants were followed up, on average, 20 years later. In the two passing decades, 1,080 participants died. 431 died due to heart/cardiovascular disease, 318 due to cancer, and 331 due to other causes.

Now, here's the striking part: When comparing participants with all 4 bad habits to those with none - the group with all 4 habits were about 3 times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease or cancer, were 4 times more likely to die from all other causes, and had an overall death risk equivalent to someone 12 years older.

Clearly, Mother Nature doesn't listen to excuses for smoking, drinking, not exercising and not eating right. It may be time to stop making them.

Now for some great news...

Science Daily reported on April 20, "Australian scientists have shown for the first time that even modest weight loss reverses many of the damaging changes often seen in the immune cells of obese people, particularly those with Type 2 Diabetes."

Your Immune System

The immune system has many types of cells that act like a little army to attack invaders such as germs and viruses. But, these cells operate in a delicate balance within our body.

For example, too much body fat causes the production of pro-inflammatory immune cells. Too many of these cells circulating in the body can be harmful. According to Dr. Alex Viardot, "These inflammatory cells are involved in promoting coronary artery disease and other illnesses associated with obesity."

In the study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism, the authors concluded that even modest weight reduction of just 13 lbs. could produce an 80% reduction of pro-inflammatory T-helper cells and also a reduction of other circulating immune cells.

Dr. Viardot added, "This is the first time it has been shown that modest weight reduction reverses some of the very adverse inflammatory changes we see in obese people with diabetes... The situation has reached crisis point, and people must be made aware that excess fat will affect their immune systems and therefore their survival."

One-Two Punch For Arthritis!

Osteoarthritis is basically a combination of the wearing of the cartilage and synovial fluid in between bones that make up a joint... and... inflammation. Glucosamine is one of the building blocks of cartilage and synovial fluid and can help maintain and boost cartilage repair.

Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation. Fish oil has been shown to reduce inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Now, for the first time, a study has shown combining the two can reduce the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.

German researchers combined 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate with 200 mg of omega-3 fats.

Head researcher Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D. said, "Omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the inflammation process in OA, whereas glucosamine sulfate further supports the rebuilding of lost cartilage substance."

This Kind Of Nap Boosts Memory...

Good news for all you "nappers" out there. A recent study reported onhealth.com found not only did college students who took a 90-minute nap perform better than those who did not - the nappers who dreamt performed 10 times better!

In the study, 99 college students were asked to memorize a complex maze on a computer. The students who performed 10 times better dreamt about the maze.

I think it's time for a nice 90-minute siesta!!!

Herpes And E. Coli At The Make-Up Counter!

If you try on make-up at the make-up counter... you may be exposing yourself to Herpes, pink eye, E. Coli and more.

According to a recent L.A. Times article, a two-year study from Rowan University on public make-up testers found on an average Saturday, 100 percent of the makeup at cosmetic counters was tainted with staph, strep, and/or E. Coli bacteria.

Dr. Zein Obagi, a Beverly Hills-based dermatologist, was quoted in the article, "If a woman has a cut on her lip and borrows lipstick from someone who has a cold sore, she'll get a cold sore. You can pass herpes (the cold sore virus), conjunctivitis (pink eye) and all sorts of things through sharing makeup."

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE
Self-Destructing Texts Are Here!

Quick Prediction: Tiger Woods and just about every celebrity will be using this new technology. Here is why...

Ogilvy Advertising has created something called "Safe Text." This service will warn text message recipient's they will only have one chance to read a text message... after that it will be automatically erased.

The service currently offers up to 10 free anonymous text messages per day.

And don't forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We're here to help and don't enjoy anything more than participating in your lifelong good health.

Why Does My Back Always Hurt?

Low back pain is a very common problem affecting 80-90% of all of us at some point in our lifetime. Why is that you ask? There are many reasons. One of the biggest reasons is that we are 2-legged animals carrying 2/3rds of our weight above our waist. Studies have shown deterioration or arthritis occurs much sooner in us vs. our 4-legged animal counterparts. A 180 lbs man carries roughly 120 lbs above the waist. This means, every time he bends over, in order to stand upright, he needs to lift 120 lbs PLUS whatever he is lifting. Hence, the argument of, "...but I only bent over to lift a pencil and my back went out," seems on the surface as impossible but in reality, the man in our example is lifting the pencil plus 120 lbs. Now, let's add to that the point that a 5 pound weight equals 50 pounds when held out in front with the arms stretched out straight. Now, if that's not bad enough, now, let's assume all of this is happening from a bent forward position, with a twist at the waist, with out stretched arms, while lifting a 20 pound object. Get the idea? It's amazing our back doesn't get injured every day as we lift 2 bags of groceries into the far end of a car trunk, or, when lifting our 30 pound child in and out of a car seat, height chair, or when they are screaming and pushing away from us as we try to lift them!
In order to further appreciate why the low back is so vulnerable to injury, some basic understanding of anatomy is needed. When we're born, the back is made up of 33 segments of which 5 fuse by the time we're about 18 years old to make up the sacrum (bottom of the spine) and 4 fuse to make up the coccyx (tail bone), leaving 5 lumbar (low back), 12 thoracic (mid-back) and 7 cervical (neck) vertebra. These are stacked up on top of each other like building blocks and are connected to each other by a shock absorbing disk in the front and two smaller facet joints in the back, acting like a tripod. In the low back, we're supposed to bear about 80% of our weight in the front and 20% in the back but, if our abdominal muscles are a bit out of shape and the pelvis rotates forwards, the curve in the low back increases and overloads the back of the vertebra (facets) making them vulnerable to injury. The disk becomes injured when we bend/lift/twist. This can tear the outer tough fibers of the disk, allowing the central more liquid-like material to leak out. If this happens, the leaking or "herniated" disk can put pressure on the nerve that exits the spine and travels down our leg. If the pain pattern includes the back of the leg, it's commonly referred to as "sciatica."
OK, enough about anatomy. What can we do to reduce the chances of having periodic low back pain? Obviously, staying in shape is very important. Certain muscles of the body must be tight to keep us upright or standing. These muscles need to be stretched on a regular basis. For example: the hamstring muscle. We've all had to perform hurdler types of exercises and remember how tight they feel!
We realize that you have a choice in where you choose for your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for low back pain, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.