Chiropractic Sports Institutes TIDBITS

TOO FOOTBATH OR NOT TO FOOT BATH

2009-06-16T17:04:00.000-07:00

I am writing this blog this month in response to an article that was posted in the American Chiropractic Associations monthly magazine. In this article the IONIC FOOTSPA is given a bad wrap. There are parts of the article that I agree and disagree with. There is also a YouTube video to go along with this article. Since we at CSI are not only on the cutting edge of tissue recovery, we also will stand up to our products and will always keep you informed when we run across articles such as this. This article basically states that the science behind the footbath is false and that there is nothing to benefit from doing this therapy. I DISAGREE.

The article claims that most providers of this therapy are claiming that the color of the water is PURE toxins that are withdrawn out the body. I AGREE WITH THE AUTHOR, THIS IS NOT TRUE. That dark rust/brown color is in part to the break down of the array itself. When you add water, metal and electricity you will get RUST. So a part of the color is from the break down of the array. I have never gone against this. The article also references a link on YOUTUBE with a man showing how (In his opinion) the IONIC FOOTSPAS are FALSE. This person does not take in account the multiple benefits that these machines offer besides the idea of DETOXIFICATION.

I have lectured to many doctors and individuals on the therapeutic benefits of the FOOTSPA. Do I think that the FOOTSPA just detoxifies the body NO. It is one of the effects. Many ask me how do I know what is being pulled out and what parts of the body are being DETOXIFIED. This I cannot answer. In my opinion you would have to take a pre and post water, blood and organ sample in order to truly determine. There are some out there that use a COLOR chart to determine what the color of that water means, which is nothing more than a selling tool. The color is a small part of the treatment process. The FOOTSPA also provides the body a low electric stimulus, which has been shown with other therapy modalities to enhance cellular activity. By doing this the body can heal quicker and allow the body and its cells to work at a higher function. On this premise is what I see is the most dramatic effect of the IONIC FOOTBATH.

In our clinics we use it to help deal with allergens, colds and especially tissue healing post surgical. In combination with chiropractic treatments, cold laser therapy, proper nutrition and exercise habit, the IONIC FOOTSPA is a perfect addition. That article was written to spark a response and it got mine. At CSI we use the Cellular Cleanse Platinum FOOTSPA and we could not be happier with the results. If anyone would like to try the Cellular Cleanse Therapy please contact CSI at 805-531-1188 for Moorpark or 805-371-0737 for Westlake and either I or Dr. Amir will personally walk you through the process and explain what is going on. Also don’t forget that SUMMER is upon us and with all the SUMMER activities and sports, CSI is here to help keep you healthy and happy.

Sincerely:

Dr. Ed Green
Clinic Director, CSI Moorpark

Next secret from the pros, Compression socks!

2009-06-09T19:36:00.001-07:00

We will be hosting and “selling” products used by the pros that in most cases are not yet available in stores. Most of these products will be sold through our CSI store so check it out from time to time. This month you can buy Oxy Socks at a pro deal direct from the manufacture.

Oxysox® Compression Technology

Dr. Graham Kelly, a vascular specialist with over 15 years of clinical experience, developed patented Oxysox® Compression Technology (OCT®) to help meet the unique demands of athletes. Improved circulation and reduced muscle fatigue always translate into better performance, and OCT® is all about performance. Utilizing over-the-calf graduated compression, socks knit with OCT® actually stimulate circulation in the foot and ankle with snug compression that tapers off as the socks extends up the leg.

How Oxysox® Compression Technology Works:

There is much more to muscle support than a snug fit. Typical compression hose boasting mmHg ratings higher than 22-23 are designed to provide tight support in response to medical complications. For the healthy athlete, however, too much support can actually reduce circulation and hamper performance. TCK's Oxysox® Compression Technology, on the other hand, is specifically designed for the athlete by way of GRADUATED COMPRESSION. Graduated compression begins with snug support that tapers off as the sock climbs the leg. In other words, the greatest amount of support is in the foot and ankle where it is needed most. This keeps the points of impact securely snug, protecting against injury, fatigue, and discomfort. A progressively reduced amount of support reaches its nadir as the sock hugs the calf, the point where maximum circulation is vital. We're not talking about an absence of support at the top of a sock with OCT®, but just enough to minimize wasted motion of the muscles, keeping them stable and compact, without hampering the blood's ability to return through the heart and lungs. What ultimately results, then, is a quicker delivery of oxygenated blood to the legs and feet. This translates into:

Higher VO2 levels
Faster Muscle Recovery
Less Muscle Fatigue
Reduced Muscle Swelling
Protection Against Cramps, Strains, or Sprains in the Lower Leg
What Racesox with Oxysox® Compression Technology Do:

The answer is simple: Racesox with Oxysox® Compression Technology boast the fusion of graduated compression with the performance-enhancing features that typify Racesox and all TCK products. What you get is durable longevity that lasts 3-4 times longer than standard socks, blister resistance, superior odor control, breathable comfort, enhanced moisture management, and quick-drying resilience combined with the unique merits of graduated compression. So, whether you are a world-class athlete, a regular on the racing circuit, a weekend warrior, or simply into occasional exercise, you need Racesox with OCT® to augment your workout and improve your performance.

As a patient of CSI you can now have these socks at a PRO DEAL, CSI only price.Since I know the owners very well, they are offering ALL CSI patients these socks for below wholesale!!. When you order from their website, use these codes to get your deal, CSI09 or DRT09. Their website is http://www.racesox.com. My son Tyler has been using these socks during his Motocross practice and says after 2 hours of riding his legs are no longer sore. I use them at work when I am on my feet all day and I feel great at the end of the day. Go on line to oxy sox website (listed above) and get the super CSI pro deal discount(by using the CSI or DrT code). For any questions on the socks or techical questions email Scott Davis at Race Soxs for assistance. Let him know you are referred by CSI and he can help you in anyway. sdavis@racesox.com.

True health starts from within,

Dr.Terry

Secrets of the Pros brought to you.

2009-04-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

How to bring the benefits of training in altitude to your house without the hassle and expense of an altitude Tent.

At CSI, due to our professional affiliations, we are privy to new technology sometimes many years before it’s available to the public. Last year I was contacted by a company who makes a High Altitude training system (io) due to my affiliation as the team Doctor for the Professional cycling team, Successful Living. As you may or may not be aware of, Professional Cycling has been under the microscope for the past several years due to Blood doping and Drug abuse allegations. The purpose of blood doping is to enhance your RBC (red blood cell) production so that you can enhance your Oxygen Transport, thus increasing your Aerobic Capacity. The Natural way to do this is to live at Altitude and/ or, sleep 6-8 hours in an Altitude Tent. This new devise, out of New Zealand, is extremely advanced, managed by the Mayo Clinic, and requires 1 hour a day, breathing in a mask, for 15 sessions, 5 days on 2 off or 6 days on 1 off.

As you are aware of I have been involved with high level cycling for 20+ years and the last 3 years, National level motocross racing. Last year I asked the CEO of the company if I could run a trial study at CSI to prepare a few riders to race at Mammoth Mountain for their Annual Motocross race. Since this race is at 8,500’ I wanted to see how they would react after using the machine and also to see how simple it was to use. I chose three high level motocross athletes of three different age brackets. I chose a 40 year old Masters champion, a 12 year old National rider and my son Tyler who was 9 at the time. Since Motocross is an extremely aerobic sport I wanted to see if it would enhance their performance and decrease the effects of racing at Altitude. Well it did, all three made the podium and felt as if they were riding at sea level! Both the 40 year old and my son were blown away at how good they felt. My son has been to Mammoth as a skier since he was a baby and we were wondering at his age if the devise would be effective. Well it was, Tyler stated he felt as if he were riding in TO and was able to push harder when everyone else wore out.

Normally, when competing in altitude, such as Mammoth, you either show up the DAY OF competition or you go to the altitude you are competing at and live there for 2 weeks prior to the event. Your body will actually perform worse at the 4-6 day point. So, if you go up 3-4 days prior to the event you will perform worse than if you go up the day of due to the acclimatization process. Due to traveling, work schedules and time constraints going to altitude for 2 weeks is not practical for most people. With this therapy, you can go up any time and stay because you will already be acclimatized. You will not get the Headaches, breathing problems, weakness, fatigue and so on. The company name is io, and they are now available to you at your home. So if you’re into ANY aerobic sport, this devise can help you perform much better. It’s used not only by cyclist, triathletes, Motocross racers and mountaineers, but athletes in Soccer, Rugby, Lacrosse, Runners, skier, skaters, cross country skiers, hockey players as well pilots and asthmatics.

More on io Therapy

io works by using a sophisticated altitude simulator to force the body to react as if at altitude.

io causes your body to react to differing oxygen levels by producing a higher proportion of red blood cells. The more red blood cells you have, the more efficient your body becomes at transporting and using oxygen.

All you have to do is sit back, relax and breathe. The results – boosted energy levels, better performance in life and sport, enhanced health and relief from various conditions.

io specialising in the provision of the most advanced form of altitude training technology available. io's technology is a masked based system delivering benefits of altitude in intervals, this provides greater benefits in a shorter time.

io has developed improved technology and over the last 10 years been researching and providing altitude training to World and Olympic champions through to the casual gym user. io's sessions are each only 1 hour long with the session alternating from altitude to sea level during the hour session (at altitudes of between 18 and 26,000 feet increasing throughout the program). The io program has a base program of 15 sessions and then there are 'booster' sessions every 6-8 weeks these are 5 days long and again each session is only one hour.

io is a natural way to get an advantage and has been proven to aid with sports performance improving;
- recovery,
- speed,
- power,
- endurance to name a few benefits.
Research shows an improvement in overall athletic performance of between 4-8% across the board.( www.io-usa.com/research/view/sport ) Other benefits include aiding in the recovery from injury and maintaining fitness while injured through to assisting people with asthma or those starting out on a new fitness program.

This devise is an AMAZING invention and is a critical component in the preparation phase as well as the recovery phase. If you are serous about your sport, suffer from high altitude sickness, preparing to climb a big mountain or want a secret edge in your aerobic sport, give Edward Lodge a call or send him an email. Mention you are a patient of CSI and he will send you all the information you need. His contact info is below:

Edward Lodge

Chief Operating Officer

cel (us) (1) 310-955-0845

web www.io-usa.com

email lodgee@io-usa.com
skype lodgee

new zealand I australia I south africa I uk I europe I usa

Well, that is it, but contract Mr. Lodge and you will not be disappointed. The next tip is Race compression socks; they lower your blood pressure and increase your V02. Who are they and how do you get them? Wait until next tip…..

Dr. Terry Weyman
www.gotcsi.com

Stress, how to use it to win, not lose

2009-04-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

With the tax season upon us and the economy being down many people are stressed out of their minds and as a result are experiencing aches and pains all over their bodies. We as humans tend to store our stress, whether physical or emotional, in our muscles. So as a result we start developing muscle tightness which can lead to headaches, general pain, decreased range of motion, altered sleeping patterns, altered bio-mechanics and very easily affect our immune systems. So here are a few tips on how to avoid these problems before they start affecting our daily lives.

• Exercises regularly:

o Physical activity plays a major role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress. Make time for at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times per week.
Exercise can decrease ‘stress hormones' like cortisol, and increase endorphins, your body's ‘feel-good’ chemicals, giving your mood and body a natural boost.

• Progressive muscle relaxation:

o By tensing and relaxing all the muscle groups in your body, you can relieve tension and feel much more relaxed in minutes. Start by tensing all the muscles in your face, holding a tight grimace ten seconds, then completely relaxing for ten seconds. Repeat this with your neck, followed by your shoulders, etc. You can do this anywhere, and as you practice, you will find you can relax more quickly and easily, reducing tension as quickly as it starts!

• Get adjusted:

o Anxiety and stress frequently attack the weak spots of the spine, and as a result you can get general muscle tensions, headaches, neck pain and back pain. This pain can then aggravate the stress and anxiety. A chiropractic treatment which includes adjustments, soft tissue and muscle work is aimed at relieving any physical complaints which will in turn help with the mental conditions.

• Eat a healthy diet:

o Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat. Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day.

• Reduce caffeine and sugar:

o The temporary "highs" caffeine and sugar provide often end in with a crash in mood and energy. By reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and sugar snacks in your diet, you’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll sleep better.

• Get enough sleep:

o Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.

If you guys have any question or want any advice on proper nutrition, specific exercises, or other stress reliving techniques feel free to comment and I will give you the information.

Dr. Amir

The good, the bad, the ugly

2009-04-06T22:24:00.000-07:00

The Good, the bad and the ugly

Well, spring has sprung and the days are getting longer and people are coming out of their cocoons. I love this time of year and the energy it brings.

The Good: Life is good. During this past weekend I was North of Reno at a Regional qualifier for my son and his motocross team. Not that I want to bore you with details of a bragging father but Tyler had the race of his career, getting the hole shot (first one to the first turn) leading the race for 3.5 laps ahead of the two national title holders and placing third in a stacked field. (more on this later).

The Bad and the Ugly: Well, let’s just say that was me. I had an allergic reaction to something, I don’t know what, but on Thursday (yes, the day we left) a rash began to grow on my body and by Friday, I was covered head to toe. It made helping my son and others a difficult task but his riding made all the pain and itching a little more tolerable. By Sunday I looked like Will Smith in” Hitch”. After a visit to the hospital and Dermatologist office today, I am back to normal with just a little itch left. Wish I knew what hit me. Thank God I have incredible Doctors such as Dr. Derek , Dr. Ed and Dr. Amir to step in and care for all of you and to keep CSI open and helping all the patients.

With the down time and to keep my mind off the itching I began to think about the incredible profession I am in. Chiropractic and sports really showed their power this weekend. My son has only been riding 2 ½ years, at the National level 1 year. The last month he has been in the top ten and now the top 5 surpassing kids who have been at the level for 4+ years. The father of the current national title holder came up to me and said “what ever you’re doing with Tyler keep it up, he has come on faster than any rider and he is the talk of the circuit. What is your secret?”. At first I was shocked but then I started thinking. He trains, like the others; he eats and sleeps like the others; and he has natural talent, like the others. What is he doing that the others are not? The answer was simple: he is a Chiropractic Kid. When he gets a cold, he gets adjusted. When he feels tired or sore, he gets adjusted. After training to recover, he gets adjusted. To keep his balance and coordination in check, he gets lasered and adjusted. My 9 year old asks me to adjust him on a regular basis, not because he has back or neck pain, but because he wants to stay healthy and on top of his game. He has taught me so much on the importance of staying biomechanically aligned. Not just to stay out of pain but so much more. FULL BODY HEALTH. When the body is in line things just work. Stress is lessened, sickness is reduced, you think more clearly and you will have an edge on your competition whoever they may be.

Chiropractic is about removing interference or restrictions from the brain to the tissue cell. When a joint is fixated and muscles are in spasm, the nervous communication is compromised. Every organ, every cell, is controlled and coordinated by the nervous system. Even the slightest compromise can affect the function. Since muscles attach to the bones, than anything that can affect the muscles can indirectly affect the bodies function.
I am looking forward to coming back to work today, the first thing I am doing before I start treating patients? Getting Adjusted!!

See you soon,

Dr. Terry and the staff at CSI

Hey Doc, can I crack my own back?

2009-02-25T21:45:00.000-08:00

This month’s blog is all about being interactive with the patients. We get asked numerous questions a day and it is hard to remember them all and then write about them. So this month and next I would like all of you to respond to this blog and ask a question. I will check back on a regular basis and answer any question that you may ask.

This is a good way to get all of you interactive with our website. We here at CSI want to make sure that all our patients get the most out of all our services. 2009 is a new year and with it being a new year I would like start this February blog with the first question. I will also be adding other blogs about certain topics that are of a concern.

But now onto the question.???????

1) Is it bad to twist my back while I sit in class and make it CRACK several times a day?????

A: YES, YES, YES, YES. Continual adjusting of the spine, several times a day will lead to what is called HYPERlaxity. Now we are talking about someone who adjusts himself or herself more than 4 times a day. So those of you who see us three times a week are not going to experience this issue.
What happens is the spine after it gets adjusted multiple times starts to loosen the surrounding ligaments and tissues and it is called VISCOELASTIC CREEP. This will cause joint laxity and then lead to you wanting to crack it more because it is sore. So to fix it STOP adjusting yourself and do exercises to strengthen the area that you are CRACKING. The stronger the area the less you want to CRACK. OK, SO THERE IS IT IS. STOP ADJUSTING YOURSELF.

Dr. Ed Green is the Clinic Director at CSI Moorpark, he is big and will get angry if you do not ask a question. Let him have it.

ASPARTAME- The Silent Killer

2009-02-25T20:53:00.000-08:00

This blog was sent to me from a friend of mine. Read and learn.

In October of 2001, my sister started getting very sick. She had stomach spasms and she was having a hard time getting around. Walking was a major chore. It took everything she had just to get out of bed; she was in so much pain.

By March 2002, she had undergone several tissue and muscle biopsies and was on 24 various prescription medications. The doctors could not determine what was wrong with her. She was in so much pain, and so sick, she just knew she was dying. She put her house, bank accounts, life insurance, etc., in her oldest daughter's name, and made sure that her younger children were to be taken care of.

She also wanted her last hooray, so she planned a trip to Florida (basically in a wheelchair) for March 22nd..

On March 19, I called her to ask how her most recent tests went, and she said they didn't find anything on the test, but they believe she had MS.

I recalled an article a friend of mine e-mailed to me and I asked my sister i f she drank diet soda? She told me that she did. As a matter of fact, she was getting ready to crack one open that moment.

I told her not to open it, and to stop drinking the diet soda!

I e-mailed her the article my friend, a lawyer, had sent.

My sister called me within 32 hours after our phone conversation and told me she had stopped drinking the diet soda AND she could walk! The muscle spasms went away. She said she didn't feel 100% but she sure felt a lot better. She told me she was going to her doctor with this article and would call me when she got home.

Well, she called me, and said her doctor was amazed! He is going to call all of his MS patients to find out if they consumed artificial sweeteners of any kind.

In a nutshell, she was being poisoned by the Aspartame in the diet soda...and literally dying a slow and miserable death.

When she got to Florida March 22, all she had to take was one pill, and that was a pill for the Aspartame poisoning! She is well on her way to a complete recovery. And she is walking! No wheelchair! This article saved her life.

If it says 'SUGAR FREE' on the label; DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!

I have spent several days lecturing at the WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL CONFERENCE on 'ASPARTAME,' marketed as 'NutraSweet,' 'Equal,' and 'Spoonful.'

In the keynote address by the EPA, it was=2 0announced that in the United States in 2001 there is an epidemic of multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus. It was difficult to determine exactly what toxin was causing this to be rampant.

I stood up and said that I was there to lecture on exactly that subject.

I will explain why Aspartame is so dangerous: When the temperature of this sweetener exceeds 86 degrees F, the wood alcohol in ASPARTAME converts to formaldehyde and then to formic acid, which in turn causes metabolic acidosis. Formic acid is the poison found in the sting of fire ants. The methanol toxicity mimics, among other conditions, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus. Many people were be being diagnosed in error. Although multiple sclerosis is not a death sentence, Methanol toxicity is!
Systemic lupus has become almost as rampant as multiple sclerosis, especially with Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi drinkers. The victim usually does not
know that the Aspartame is the cul prit. He or she continues its use; irritating the lupus to such a degree that it may become a life-threatening condition.
We have seen patients with systemic lupus become asymptotic, once taken off diet sodas.

In cases of those diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, most of the symptoms disappear. We've seen many cases where vision loss returned and hearing loss improved markedly.

This also applies to cases of trinities and firma.

During a lecture, I said, 'If you are using ASPARTAME (NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc) and you suffer from fibromyalgia symptoms, spasms, shooting, pains, numbness in your legs, cramps, vertigo, dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, joint pain, unexplainable depression, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, blurred vision, or memory loss you probably have ASPARTAME poisoning!'

People were jumping up during the lecture saying, 'I have some of these symptoms. Is it reversible?'

Yes! Yes! Yes! STOP drinking diet sodas and be alert for Aspartame on food labels! Many products are fortified with it! This is a serious problem.
Dr.. Espart (one of my speakers) remarked that so many people seem to be symptomatic for MS and during his recent visit to a hospice, a nurse stated that six of her friends, who wer e heavy Diet Coke addicts, had all been diagnosed with MS. Th is is beyond coincidence!

Diet soda is NOT a diet product! It is a chemically altered, multiple SODIUM (salt) and ASPARTAME containing product that actually makes you crave carbohydrates. It is far more likely to make you GAIN weight!

These products also contain formaldehyde, which stores in the fat cells, particularly in the hips and thighs. Formaldehyde is an absolute toxin and is used primarily to preserve 'tissue specimens.' Many products we use every day contain this chemical but we SHOULD NOT store it IN our body!

Dr. H. J. Roberts stated in his lectures that once free of the 'diet products' and with no significant increase in exercise; his patients lost an average of 19 pounds over a trial period.

Aspartame is especially dangerous for diabetics..
We found that some physicians, who believed that they had a patient with retinopathy, in fact, had symptoms caused by Aspartame.
The Aspartame drives the blood sugar out of control. Thus diabetics may suffer acute memory loss due to the fact that aspartic acid and phenylalanine are NEUROTOXIC when taken without the other amino acids necessary for a good balance.

Treating diabetes is all about BALANCE. Especially with diabetics, the Aspartame passes the blood/brain barrier and it then deteriorates the neurons of the brain; causing various levels of brain damage, seizures, depression, manic depression, panic attacks, uncontrollable anger and rag e.

Consumption of Aspartame causes these same symptoms in non-diabetics as well.

Documentation and observation also reveal that thousands of children diagnosed with ADD and ADHD have had complete turn around in their behavior when these chemicals have been removed from their diet. So called 'behavior modification prescription drugs' (Ritalin and others) are no longer needed. Truth be told, they were never NEEDED in the first place! Most of these children were being 'poisoned' on a daily basis with the very foods that were 'better for them than sugar.'

It is also suspected that the Aspartame in thousands of pallets of diet Coke and diet Pepsi consumed by men and women fighting in the Gulf War, may be partially to blame for the well-known Gulf War Syndrome.

Dr. Roberts warns that it can cause birth defects, i.e. mental retardation, if taken at the time of conception and during early pregnancy.

Children are especially at risk for neurological disorders and should NEVER be given artificial sweeteners. There are many different case histories to relate of children suffering grand mal seizures and other neurological disturbances talking about a plague of neurological diseases directly caused by the use of this deadly poison.'

Herein lies the problem:

There were Congressional Hearings when Aspartame was included 100 different products and strong objection was made concerning its use. Since this initial hearing, there have been two subsequent hearings, and still nothing has been done. The drug and chemical lobbies have very deep pockets.

Sadly, MONSANTO'S patent on Aspartame has EXPIRED!

There are now over 5,00020products on the market that contain this deadly chemical and there will be thousands more introduced. Everybody wants a 'piece of the Aspartame pie.' I assure you that MONSANTO, the creator of Aspartame, knows how deadly it is.

And isn't it ironic that MONSANTO funds, among others, the American Diabetes Association, the American Dietetic Association and the Conference of the American College of Physicians?

This has been recently exposed in the New York Times.

These [organizations] cannot criticize any additives or convey their link to MONSANTO because they take money from the food industry and are required to endorse their products.

Senator Howard Metzenbaum wrote and presented a bill that would require label warnings on products containing Aspartame, especially regarding pregnant women, children and infants. The bill would also institute independent studies on the known dangers and the problems existing in the general population regarding seizures, changes in brain chemistry, neurological changes and behavioral symptoms.
The bill was killed.

It is known that the powerful drug and chemical lobbies are responsible for this, letting loose the hounds of disease and death on an un suspecting and uninformed public. Well, you're Informed now!

How Altered foot Mechanics can cause Pain throughout the body, and how chiropractic care and specific orthotics can help

2009-02-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

When initially seeing a patient that is very active, which present with back, hip, knee, and chronic ankle and foot problems; the first place I look to is the foot and how it is moving and functioning. Why? Our feet are the foundation to our bodies. The feet are the first joints that withstand forces thru our body during movement. These forces, if altered can cause a dramatic effect on how the rest of the body is going to move leading to different pain syndromes. If the foundation is not able to stabilize the rest of the body, then it is not long before we start to see wear and tear on other parts of the body.

The gait cycle is a term that represents the period of time between successive ipsilateral(same side) heel strikes; that is, it begins when the heel first strikes the ground and ends the moment that the same heel strikes the ground with the next step. So what happens to the foot that can cause pain during the gait cycle? Two of the most important motions that occur during the gait cycle are pronation and supination.

Pronation refers to the inward roll of the foot during normal motion and occurs as the outer edge of the heel strikes the ground and the foot rolls inward and flattens out. A moderate amount of pronation is required for the foot to function properly, however damage and injury can occur during excessive pronation, more commonly know as hyperpronation. An easy way to check if you are hyperpronating is to look at the back of the Achilles tendons. If they are bowing inwards, you are hyperpronating! Also look at your shoes, either dress or athletic, if they are worn out on the outside of them, guess what. Hypronation flattens the arch and stretches the muscles, tendons, and ligaments underneath the foot.

Supination is the opposite of pronation and refers to the outward roll of the foot during normal motion. A natural amount of supination occurs during the push-off phase of the running gait as the heel lifts off the ground and the forefoot and toes are used to propel the body forward. However, excessive supination, which is called hypersupination (excessive outward rolling) places a large strain on the muscles and tendons that stabilize the ankle, and can lead to chronic ankle sprains.

Symptoms of excessive pronation and supination are

Arch pain, heel pain, flat feet, corns and calluses, ankle sprains, shin splints, plantar fascitis, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, knee pain, hip pain, and chronic back pain.

Prevention and Treatment

1)At CSI we do a comprehensive gait analysis of what your foot is doing while standing and in motion thru our footmaxx system. www.footmaxx.com
2)Specific Biomechanical adjustments to the foot, ankle, knee, and low back to help restore normal motion through out the body.
3)Specifically made orthotics tailored to your foot and to what kind of activities your like to participate in. Footmaxx orthotics can also be designed not only for athletic shoes but also for mens and womens dress shoes.
4) Specific exercise and stretches to help restore strength and flexibility to the
Foot.

Taking care of your feet are very important to the rest of your body. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms, please, listen to your body, and don’t wait for it to lead to something else.

Dr. Derek Pelofsky is a certified chiropractic sports practioner. He is currently practicing at the chiropractic sports institute in Westlake Village. To schedule an appointment, Dr Pelofsky can be reached at 8053710737. WWW.GOTCSI.COM

Breathing treatments not as affective as once thought

2009-01-22T12:06:00.001-08:00

Last night while watching the TV program, “The Biggest Loser”, I was blown away at a segment that showed the “contestants” talking to the Doctor regarding their past medications. One gentleman had over 20 pills he was taking, for everything from high blood pressure to high cholesterol to diabetes. The Doctor estimated that over his lifetime, he would spend in excess of $750,000 in prescription medication if he lived long enough to see a normal lifespan. $750,000.00 !!! All it took to get him off his pills and to save him close to a million dollars, was a few simple things: eat right and exercise. That was it. What a concept! We as Americans want it now and don’t want to have to work for it. Why sweat when I can take a pill; “I tried it and it did not work!”. “How long did you try it for?”. “6 months”. “How long have you had these problems?”. “4 years”. “So let me get this straight, you have felt this way for 4 years, which means it took probably another 4-6 years to develop and in 6 months you expect everything to be perfect?”. These are conversations I have every day at the office. These are conversations we hear on the news with the latest election. Yet, we want change but are not willing to stick with something long enough to enjoy the change. Some change is instant, at other times it is slow, but change is change. With this economy, do you want to spend your money on a quick fix of the symptoms (pills), or on a stronger fix of the long lasting problem?

The nervous system controls and coordinates the entire functional body. When the muscles change, it affects the biomechanical structure. This change affects the biochemistry, which in turn affects your movement, health and homeostasis of the body. When I get sick, I get adjusted and then hit my body hard with naturally assimilating vitamins and minerals to help the body get the job done. When I get hurt, I get adjusted (to realign the structure to take pressure off the nervous system and restore the biochemistry) then supply my body with the correct vitamins and minerals to get the job done. When I am low on energy, I look at why. Why is my body working harder than normal and where did my energy go? When your car gets bad gas mileage, you look at the structural alignment and check the engine to see if its running efficiently don’t you? So what is so different with your body?

Below is a new study out this month which falls in line with what I am talking about. Eat right, NO JUNK FOOD or FOODS HIGH IN CORN SYRUP AND FATS, Exercise a minimum of 3 TIMES A WEEK FOR AT LEAST 20 minutes. Take your vitamins and get ADJUSTED to keep your biomechanics in proper alignment!

People/Doctors who say “vitamins don’t work” or, “getting adjusted is just a band aid and does not work”, do not READ the research and the journals. Use your common sense. It’s not voodoo or alternative science; its very, very mainstream. If the highest paid athletes in the world who demand the most from their bodies go by this philosophy, maybe you should too. Let the “nay sayers” and “non believers” get sick.

STUDY SHOWS STERIODS FOR KIDS DON’T WORK AS WELL AS THEY THOUGHT.

Steroid Drugs, a common treatment for young children prone to wheezing and colds, do not help and may even be harmful, according to a new research study.

Preschoolers, in Britain who were hospitalized with a wheezing attack and treated with the steroid prednisolone stayed just as long as other children who were given “dummy” pills.

In another study, Canadian children who had previous wheezing trouble and who took the steroid fluticasone as a preventive measure showed modest improvement, but the side effect of possible stunted growth outweighed the benefit, researchers said.

Both studies were reported in today’s New England Journal of Medicine, one of the highest regarded Pub Medicine journals on the research circuit. All studies are independent and double blind.

I was born with Asthma and as a child I was told to swim to build up my lungs (with moisture) and when it got bad , to sit in a steamed room. When I was climbing high mountains, getting bronchitis or having an asthma attack was a real concern. I ate right, got plenty of sleep, got adjusted twice a month, (more if I felt a cold coming on) and took my vitamins. I never missed a summit. I did go down the “medical route” once, taking meds such as Advair, Provental and Albuterol. What I found was I felt terrible, jittery, weak and was still sick. After several weeks, I realized that all the times before when I would get sick I was better in less than two weeks with “my methods”. I went back to getting adjusted (daily during my breathing bouts), taking supplements (anti inflammatory, lung strength and immune system), laser work, diet and rest. BAM I was better in no time and have not looked back since. I practice what I preach.

“Stretching Smarts”

2009-01-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

Ever since I started playing competitive sports stretching was always part of the process. It is quite interesting today, that whether you are aware of this or not, but there are many researchers, health professionals that say stretching does not help decrease injury or prepare you for competition. Now on the other hand there are many that say the complete opposite. So which is it? Let me give you my rundown on how I think stretching can be effective.

You must learn three basic principals while stretching:

1)knowing when is the best time to stretch.
2)knowing two basic approaches to lengthening the muscle-tendon unit and which is best for your situation.
3)Realizing that as your body or your activities change, so to must your stretching routine.

When should I stretch?

Immediately prior to your exercise warm-up, by stretching only the tight muscles identified by testing or those that lack needed flexibility relative to your chosen activity.
If you lack normal or optimal flexibility in any muscle group and wish to balance the body for injury prevention and/or pain reduction, then you want to stretch at night as close to bedtime as possible. This is because your body does most of its healing at night, and if you lengthen tight muscles before bed, they will heal in a lengthened state, progressively balancing your body. If you want to stretch to improve energy levels, you can get a favorable response whenever you are tired. So stretching first thing in the morning can help with energy flow and mental clarity.

Regardless when you stretch, the best results are when your body is warm. About the temperature that causes a light sweat.

What is the best method of stretching my muscles?

If you are preparing for an athletic event, I suggest a form of stretching called “contract-relax.” This method requires that you place the muscle to be stretched under tension and then activate it against immovable resistance (usually another person) for five seconds, followed immediately by five seconds of relaxed lengthening. You will find that breathing really influences your stretching; a general rule of thumb is to inhale as you activate a muscle and exhale as you relax and stretch it. It is very important that, after contracting for five seconds, you immediately move into the stretch positions as you relax and exhale.

If your muscles are chronically shortened(tight) and you need to improve joint range of motion beyond what can be done with contract-relax stretching, or if you have shortened connective tissues, than I suggest static stretching. This is best done at night, warm with a light sweat, in a steam bath or even in a hot tub. I recommend holding each stretch for a minute or more. But don’t be overzealous with your stretching efforts or your body will react against the stretch to protect you from injury..

When do I change my stretching routing?

If your work or sports activities change, so too must your stretching routine. Become familiar with what muscles are involved with your sport, hobby, or work. For example, as a golfer, I would want to take particular interest in low back and hip stretches, since so much pressure is put on the low back during a golf swing. For those that are at computers all day, knowing neck, upper back and wrist stretches can save you from significant pain and loss of work. I realize that most of you aren’t biomechanical specialists like us, but listen to your body and you wont be disappointed. If anybody would like recommendations for specific stretches for specific sports please feel free to contact me or come into the office for a thorough evaluation.

While the topic of stretching can become complex, I’m sure that if you apply these tips I’ve shared you will be on your way to improved posture and reduced pain and enhanced performance. Comments are welcome.

Dr. Derek Pelofsky is a certified chiropractic sports practitioner. He is one of the Sports Chiropractors at Chiropractic Sports Institute.

NEW YEAR NEW YOU

2009-01-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

Ok this is my first blog of the New Year so I hope that everyone is ready to start this year of on a good foot. Over the past week or so I have had one question asked several times. “Dr. Ed how do I make my New Years resolutions come true.” I have heard this question several times already and it is only the second week of the New Year. Each person who asked this question had something similar. THEY WERE TRYING TO DO TOO MUCH.
Many individuals want to take on the world at the beginning of the New Year. This is the problem! We all do great once we start out on a new project, but it is keeping at it that is the problem. My solution to this is start out smaller. Maybe not take over the world at first but instead conquer your kitchen. What I mean is do not take on so much that you forget what you are trying to do. An example is weight loss. We all want to loose weight but when we start we put our selves into a drastic diet plan that gives us immediate results and then with in a few weeks we let the diet go. We let it go because we get tired and frustrated because it becomes too much of a burden. So instead start small. First cut your portions down. A patient once told me that his favorite lunch is a two BIG MAC’s from McDonalds and a large fry. So for him I said just eat one BIG MAC. Start small then progress larger. Once you get comfortable with the small stuff you will be ready to up the anti.
All of us can make our NEW YEARS resolutions come true. Just don’t do too much too fast. 2009 will be a great year for all of us and remember that we here at CSI wish all of you the best of health in 2009. Look back next month for more blogs from the doctors and fun little tid bits. If anyone has questions for us please drop us a line and we will write about it.

Thank you all for a wonderful 2008 and I look forward to keeping you all healthy and happy in 2009.

Dr. Ed

Alternative treatments for Inflammatory Bowl Disease

2009-01-06T18:40:00.000-08:00

"I don't feel very good, my stomach hurts"

What is inflammatory bowel disease?

Inflammatory Bowl Disease (IBD) is described as inflammation of the large and small intestines. The two most common types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which most commonly affects the large intestine, and Crohn’s disease, which can affect the entire GI tract. Individuals who are affected by these conditions either have a small portion or at times the whole intestinal tract affected. These conditions cause the intestinal lining to be irritated and swollen, and as a result ulcers may form which can cause intestinal bleeding. Some symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Due to the fact that the intestinal lining is inflamed the main function, which is absorption of nutrients and water, is altered and the individual can become under nourished, dehydrated and weak. Symptoms may come and go and patients can be in remission for long periods of time. Although people at any age can be affected, IBD most commonly affects young adults. With these conditions other organs such as the skin, joints, spine, liver, and eyes can also be affected. The best way to diagnose these conditions is by direct visualization via sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy with biopsy of the lining of the bowl. Patients with long standing history of IBD have an increase risk of colon cancer, so it is very important to have the condition monitored by their gastroenterologist.

Alternative treatments:
• Chiropractic
o You might ask how chiropractic can help. Chiropractic adjustments can help by freeing any type of interference in the nerve that supplies the intestinal tract to help it maintain the proper transmission of information between the area affected and Central Nervous System (CNS) which is composed of the brain and spinal cord. With the communication between the GI tract and the CNS normalized, there are more regular bowel movements and less inflammation in the area which in term helps to normalize the regular environment of the GI tract.

• Erchonia cold laser
o The function of the cold laser is to penetrate the mitochondria of the cell which is considered the “power house” of the cell and produce more Adenosine Tri Phosphate (ATP) which is the main fuel for the cells. By having more ATP available the damaged cells are able to function and heal at a higher rate.
o It has also been shown that the cold laser decreases inflammation, which is one of the main complications in inflammatory bowel disease. By decreasing the inflammation, the lining of the intestine is less aggravated and as a result it will heal much faster.

• Energy Balance Footbath (EB)
o The function of the EB is to use the acupuncture meridian channels to send alternating positive and negative ions through an individual’s body to pull out any type of heavy metal and toxin build up which is interfering with the body’s natural healing ability. The way this works is by having the patient immerse their feet in a warm water and salt bath. At the same time a copper coil electrode is placed in the water which creates a bio-energetic ionic exchange system that surges positive and negative ions through the patient’s body.
o Furthermore, it has been shown that the EB helps to produce more ATP which is the main fuel for the cell. By having more ATP available the function and healing process of damaged cells and tissue are enhanced.

• Proper nutrition and supplementation:
o Due to the fact that these conditions are inflammatory processes it is very important to recognize the types of food which aggravate the condition and avoid those particular foods. Every person reacts differently to different foods. It is a good idea to keep a daily log of each meal to see how you feel after that particular meal. This is a good way to isolate which foods aggravate the intestine.
o Supplements can be your ally if in fighting these conditions. Some important supplements to be taken for people with these conditions include:
 L-Glutamine which is a free forming amino acid that helps in the tissue recovery
 Acidophilus which is a probiotic that helps in digestion
 Vitamins A, C, E, and Zinc which are all antioxidants and help to decrease inflammation throughout the body.

By combining chiropractic, cold laser, EB, proper nutrition and supplements the amount of inflammation in the intestinal lining is decreased. As a result there is less discomfort to the patient, symptoms can subside, amount of prescription medication can be reduced, and the patients can experience a more natural and healthy life style.

My experience with ulcerative colitis:

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 20. After having a colonoscopy and biopsy performed, I was told that my entire large intestine was affected. My condition was so severe that I had to drop out of school for 2 semesters, lost about 20 pounds in a 1 month period, and was severely anemic. The Dr.’s put me on Prednisone which is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid to control the bleeding and inflammation. After taking the medication for about 3 weeks my condition was under control but the medication had taken a toll on my body. As a result I had severe acne and joint pain throughout my body. After I stopped taking prednisone they put me on another pill called Asacol and was told that I have to take 12 pills per day, depending on my condition, for the rest of my life. Due to the fact that one of the main side effects of Asacol is liver cirrhosis, I had to get regular blood work done to monitor my liver function.

Once I was in chiropractic school and started to get adjusted I noticed a big improvement in my bowl movements. I was able to cut back my medication to about 9 pills per day. After starting to work at CSI I discovered the cold laser and EB. I decided to go through 12 sessions of the EB combined with the laser. At my 4th treatment I noticed that I was having more energy throughout the day. At the 7th treatment I was having less bowl movements. I decided to cut back on my medication and see how things went. By my 9th session was taking about 4 pill every other week. After my 12th session was completed in early October I was not taking anymore pills for my colitis and to date I have not taken any pills. I feel the best I have felt since my condition started over 8 years ago.

• Since there is a higher risk of colon cancer in individuals with these conditions it is very important to be monitored regularly by your GI doctor.
If you have any questions and concerns feel free to ask and I will gladly answer them.

Amir Mahmud
Chiropractic Intern
2277 Townsgate Rd. suite 101
Westlake Village, CA 91361
Phone :(805)371-0737
www.gotcsi.com

Whats up with the Tennis balls?

2008-11-11T20:48:00.000-08:00

Good day and greetings to all who have ventured to this site to keep your self informed and intrigued about what CSI has to offer. Here is the latest answer to a common question that I have had in the office.

Many patients are looking for an easy way to help ease some of the pain and tightness that accompanies a very busy lifestyle. Some get massages, many get Chiropractic care, others choose to work out and or sit on there butts and watch TV. These are all ways to get some relaxation in, however they do not help ease the mechanical muscle tension. This is where a tennis ball or tennis balls come into play.

I tell many of my patients to first buy a can of three balls. Take two of them and put them into an old sock and or panty hose. I prefer the panty hose since this material can breath and prevent mildew build up. You now want to tie off the end so that two tennis balls can move apart about an inch.

Those of you who are familiar with foam rolling and the wonderful benefits that it can provide will also see great relief from the use of a tennis ball since they can get into the smaller muscle groups compared to a foam roller.

Ok enough talk this is what to do. For those who have upper back and neck tension you can take the two tennis balls that are in the sock and lay on them so the tennis balls are between the shoulder blades and around the spine. Here you can roll up and down on the balls and hit all those smaller tension spots that a foam roller cannot get at. Then after that you can use the single ball to get the rest.

Once you master that you can then use the tennis balls on any tense muscle area. Try and stay away from rolling over a bony area since that will possibly create a bruise. You may have to start out on the floor or on the most cushioned area of the house if it is too painful.

The purpose of the tennis balls is to help break up the muscle adhesions that we all get during the day. Using the tennis balls at home will help with the current treatment that many of you are utilizing here at CSI. I tell many of my patients on the first visit about the tennis balls to help them with there current issues. Many use massage however this is a home care method that you can utilize daily.

I recommend that you use the tennis balls over the areas that you feel are the most tense and allow the tennis balls to push in the area for 3-4 minutes then move them. You can do this on all large and small muscle groups to pain tolerance.

Tennis balls I have found are the easiest way to allow some home massage and tension relief. If any of you have questions on how to use the tennis balls and or questions about the previous blogs, please contact me at bfg59@aol.com. Thank you all for your time and may this holiday season bring you all happiness.

Thank you,

Dr. Ed

BREATHE

2008-10-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

Quote: "I complained I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet."

I read this quote and I liked it for several reasons. The main one is that it puts things in perspective. The other quote I heard today was, “You may have lost your wealth, just don’t loose your health”. These two quotes bring us back to reality. With the media showing us all the doom and gloom it gets harder and harder to find that silver lining every day, but its there. Stress can bring us down and we have two choices when we wake up each morning (that in itself is a plus), to have a great day or a bad day. Yes, it’s a choice. It may take you all day to find a reason why it was great but never stop looking for that reason. IT maybe as simple and hearing “I love you” from a loved one, or waking up and seeing that you have a roof over your head, or that you were able to eat, or my favorite, you woke up with less pain than the day before.

Most people put their LIVES ahead of their LIFE. They rush around, worrying about their job, their kids, their material objects. They worry about the health of their loved ones or their friends and never taking the time to tend to their own needs and health. If you are reading this you need to take a reflection to truly look at your self. Are you taking care of yourself by eating right, getting sleep, taking your supplements, getting exercise and getting your regular Chiropractic Adjustments. During times of stress your body goes into hyper speed. If you don't take care of the engine, the body will break down. Stay on the highway of life and care for yourself so you don't end up on the side of the road broken.

With the nation in panic mode, the media lighting the fires and wallstreet not knowing what to do, I felt compelled to write this note and say "BREATH". If you let your health go, then the stress will be more than you can imagine. You always hear, "Until I had cancer I never stopped to appreciate life". Don't wait for the stress to beat you down, combat with proper health so you can deal with everything else.

If you or your company would like one of the CSI Doctors to come to your company and show you and your employees little tricks to lower the stress level so you can focus on the job at hand. Let me know and we can be available for a "lunch and learn" or an evening talk. We will come to you, all you have to do is ask:-)Contact us at www.gotcsi.com

Ice or Heat- THAT is the Question

2008-10-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

By Dr. Ed Green

Ever since becoming interested in Sports Chiropractic I have always been asked the question when to ICE and when to HEAT. I must get that question several times a week. So I am writing this article or as you would say it in the twentieth century, BLOG, to help ease all the thoughts and curious question seekers out there.

HEAT: Heat is good for bringing blood to the injured or sore area and loosening up the tissue to make that area less stiff and more pliable. Heat should be applied before participation in any athletic event. I recommend that patients use heat for no longer than 15-20 minutes. Now, there are two types of heat that are beneficial. The most effective would be that of moist heat. The reason being is that the moist heat can penetrate the skin and get deeper into the tissue with out dehydrating the surround cells. An example of that would be the difference between a burn that is caused by a flame compared to that of a steam burn. As we know the flame burn will char the skin however a steam burn basically melts it away. So if you are wanting to apply heat make sure it is moist heat and do it before an event to help loosen or relax the muscles and surrounding joints.

As for those who like to use the heat rubs or heat liniments, they are only good for a temporary superficial relief. They will desensitize the tissue and bring a small amount of blood to the area however one must be careful in using them so FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS.

ICE: Now here is my favorite thing to use. Yes I know ICE is COLD and that is why it is so beneficial. I have been using ice for many years however; it was my first year at California Lutheran University while on the football team that I got my first real exposure to ICE therapy. It was in the middle of summer, where we all know that the Conejo Valley get in the 100’s. Three days into hell week, I developed some moderate quadriceps tightness with a quad contusion. I went into the training room for some help and the trainer instructed me to hop in the ice bath. So here I am, a 310lb offensive lineman, trying to get my big butt into a small whirl pool bath that is full of ice. IT WAS QUITE A SIGHT. Needles to say, I was in the ice bath everyday after practice.

Ice will decrease the amount of fluid and blood in the injured area. The decreased amounts of fluid and blood will limit the body from forming adhesions and control the amount of lactic acid that is produced. By decreasing these things you will feel less stiffness, less tightness and less pain. I recommended that people ice after they are done with heavy exercise or after an acute injury. During the onset of an initial injury the body wants to surround the area with fluid and blood. By icing you can limit the amount of fl uid and blood and there fore decrease the amount of pain. Your pain level will also decrease with the ice since the sensitive nerve roots will become desensitized.

So now that I have rambled on and on here is my final word. ICE, ICE, ICE for all acute injuries and after rigorous activities that you are sore or stiff afterwards. Use HEAT when you are about to compete or need to be loosened up. You should only use heat for 15-20 minutes and then remove the heat. Never fall asleep with it on. As for ICE, onc should ice the injured area for 15-20 min on and then remove it for 40 min and then apply for another 15-20. Do this 3-4 times a day.

Ok there it is. That is my take on ICE vs. HEAT. I love them both but prefer ICE. Please feel free to comment on this and I will return the favor. AND PLEASE NO COMMENTS ON ME IN A TUB OF ICE.

See you in the office,

Dr. Ed Green
Clinic Director, Moorpark CSI

Using Chiropractic Care as Preventive Functional Medicine for the upcoming Football Season

2008-09-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

By Dr. Derek Pelofsky

Its September and that means only one thing. Football is in full swing. I don’t know about you but I count the days from early January, which is when the college Bowl Championship games are played till the beginning August, the start of Two-a-day practices for teams. I grew up in Oklahoma, and in Oklahoma football is not just a sport it a pretty much a religion. I can remember going to my first University of Oklahoma football game at 5yrs old. Sure enough every Saturday that OU was in Norman for a home game, my dad and I were there thru my college days. Since I’ve lived in Southern California for the past 7 years, my passion for OU and football in general has become even stronger. So my passion for the sport, and having the privilege and ability to play in high school, combined with my passion for sports medicine really fuels what I do for a living.

A subject that I wanted to touch up on is why use chiropractic if not in pain and how it relates to football and sports in general. One of the most common responses I get from patients when asking them how are you doing today is; “well I guess not to good if I’m here. I want to be very clear on this point. Chiropractic and all the different treatments we perform are great to help heal people, and being involved with sports, injuries are going to happen, but the ultimate healthcare minded person is one who looks for preventive medicine. Many people don’t realize that there are many professional athletes around the world that utilize chiropractic as a means to prevent their body from breaking down and keep it running at its highest capacity. A great way to compare this is do you wait for your car to breakdown once the infamous check engine light comes on? No of course not, you do laitance, with regular tune ups and checkups at least every 3,000 miles. Why would you treat your body differently from your car? After all once your body breaks down, that means pain and discomfort which may cause you to lose time at work or just preventing you from the daily things you enjoy doing.

Many of you have a youngster in little league football or even somewhere up in the high school or college level. Now is the time to get these athletes checked out and treated. The most common injuries we see in football are of course knee injures due to all the lateral movement performed. Neck injuries to the nerves that exit the upper neck region and go into the arm, which is known as a “stinger”. Last but not least we see a lot of concussion type injuries due to the all the contact that occurs. As a football player , and as a parent of a football player, I would want to make sure my spine, muscles, and the extremity joints were all working at its highest level to help prevent any of the injuries and allow for a healthy and fun season. Of course this goes for all athletes in all sports, don’t wait for the check engine light to come on before you breakdown! Take care of your body and use the doctors of CSI as the tune-up specialist for your body. BOOMER SOONER!

Dr. Derek Pelofsky is a Doctor of Chiropractic at Chiropractic Sports Institute where he has his private practice caring for both Amateur and Professional athletes. He has completed extensive post-graduate training in the field of Sports Chiropractic and Nutrition. Along with an lustrious career as a College Baseball player, Dr. Derek lives and breaths athletics.

Comparing Over the Counter Meds to Natural Anti-Inflammatories

2008-09-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

By: Dr. Derek Pelofsky

Practicing as a sports Doctor that sees a lot of acute and painful injuries we are approached with many questions as far as what can the patient do at home to help speed up the healing and decrease pain. Probably one of the most frequently asked questions is should I take Advil, Tylenol, or Aleve?

Doctors of Chiropractic are not allowed to prescribe any prescription drugs or be advising on taking any over the counter pain relievers such as the most common NSAIDS, (non steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs), Advil, Tylenol, and Aleve. So, as a consumer and a active person that might be put in a situation to fall back on using NSAIDS lets get educated on what you are putting into your body, and not influenced by the many commercials that bombard us daily. Like an automobile, your body reacts on the "gas" that is put in its engine. You will research the best products to put in your car so the engine runs smoothly, do you research the best products to put in your body?

NSAIDS in general, work by blocking natural chemicals in your body that cause inflammation. But the drawback is that those same chemicals protect your stomach from burning up in its own acid. So, long term use can eventually cause some serious issues with your gastrointestinal system, mainly the stomach lining causing a possible ulcer or more serious side effects!

Here is a breakdown of the Top 4 types of NSAIDs and a Homeopathic approach that works if not better than regular NSAIDs without the possible side effects.

1.Ibuprofen
Brand Name:Advil, motrin

How it works:When injured your body naturally produces enzymes to heal you, which create swelling, causing pain. Ibuprofen inhibits or stops the enzymes production.

Side effects:Prolonged and excessive use can lead to bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestines.

Benefits:Reduces swelling at the site of injury.

2.Acetaminophen

Brand Name:Tylenol

How it works:Exact mechanism in unknown, but believed to inhibit or stop pain by blocking enzymes and prostaglandins synthesis in the central nervous system.

Side effects:Excessive acetaminophen use is the number one cause of acute liver failure in the United States.

Benefits:Does not inhibit production of enzymes in the gastrointestinal system, so safer on your gut.

3.Aspirin

Brand Name:Bayer

How it works:Aspirin works the same way ibuprofen does.

Side effects:Similar gastrointestinal effects as seen with ibuprofen, but because aspirin is derived form acetic acid it can also do minor stomach damage.

Benefits:A proven painkiller for the treatment of arthritis. Thins blood, helping lower the risk of heart disease

4.Naproxen Sodium

Brand Name:Aleve

How it works:The same way ibuprofen and aspirin, but its slower to dissolve, which provides longer relief.

Side effects:ulcers, bleeding, and perforation of the stomach or intestines.

Benefits:effective for the treatment of migraines and inflammation.

Also understand this. Naproxen (Aleve), Ibuprofen and Aspirin thin the blood. Do NOT take these meds prior to participating in a high contact sport! If a head injury occurs, the thinning blood COULD lead to complications. The risk is minimal, but there is still a risk that needs to be considered.

At CSI we use several forms of Natural Anti-inflammatory substances. Since most Pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory medication originate from chemicals found in nature, we have gone to the direct source- Nature. Below, is our answer to fight off the pain of inflammation, but since these products are made with natural, organic ingredients, we have found that they sometime work faster than their pharmaceutical counterparts. There are many products on the market, we have tried most of them and have found these to be consistent with little to no side effects.

Traumeel is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, ant-edematous, anti-exudate combination formulation of 12 botanical and 2 mineral substances. This is a topical cream that works great.

1.Traumeel

How it works:helps control the release of oxygen radicals from white blood cells(neutrophils) and stops the release of inflammatory substances.

Benefits:effective for injuries of all kinds, such as: sprains, muscle aches, dislocations, contusions, burns, effusions of blood and effusions into a joint, post operative and post-traumatic edema and swelling of the soft tissues, inflammatory processes and degenerative processes(arthritis), are just a few types of injuries that can treated with traumeel. Traummel is available as a topical ointment, as oral tablets, oral drops, and oral liquid in vials.

Side effects: none, specifically used to treat elderly arthritic patients who cannot tolerate the gastrointestinal side effects associated with conventional NSAIDs or for patients on anticoagulant(blood thinners) medication.

CSI also offers many different homeopathic blends made by a company called Anabolic laboratories, Metagenics, Nutri-West and Standard Process. All of these companies feature a fully licensed, federally registered pharmaceutical manufacturing facility and state-of-the-art laboratories staffed with PhD scientists and chemist to help produce the highest grade quality of homeopathic supplements to help speed healing in many different musculoskeletal injuries. A few examples of products we carry in the office are:

6.Zymain

How it works:formulated enzymes that breakdown inflammatory proteins. Provides aminoglyco-nutrients for cartilage repair. Also contains vitamin C, manganese and zinc, which aid in biosynthesis of new collagen-depositing tissues and stimulate new cell growth within joints.
Benefits:repair tissue damage by increasing blood flow to, and drainage from, damaged areas to quickly reduce injury inflammation.

Side effects:none, if taken correctly with appropriate dosage.

7.Pro-enz:

How it works: contains curcumin, ursolic acid, and bioflavanoids reduce powerful pro-inflammatory enzymes and tissue damaging metalloproteinases.

Benefits:helps reduce pain and inflammation form superficial and deep muscle bruises, tendon, and ligament complaints and injuries.

Side effects:none, if taken correctly with appropriate dosage.

The most natural way of fighting of injury and to help speed up the healing process is by eating the right foods. The right fats and oils such as omega 3 essential fatty acids are great inflammation fighters. They are found in cold water oily fish, walnuts, and flax seeds.

Good sources of protein anti-inflammatory foods are soybeans, tofu, and soy milk. Red meat may trigger inflammation.

Good sources of carbohydrate and fiber anti-inflammatory are whole grains, vegetables and fruits. High fiber diets will reduce inflammation.. Berries, especially blueberries and strawberries which are packed with anti-inflammatory phytochemicals are great to reduce inflammation.

If your diet does not get you enough, this is ONE suppliment you NEED to take, we carry, in my opinion, the best source of Omega 3s but Nurti-West.

So, when in need of an over the counter medication to help control either inflammation or pain you will be better educated with the pros and cons of these medications. Also hope you will be open to the many different types of homeopathic blends, such as Traumeel, Anabolic lab products, Nutri-West, Metagenics, Standard Process, and anti-inflammatory foods that are just as effective if not more effective as the common NSAIDs without the possible side effects.

We welcome any comments

Dr. Derek Pelofsky is a Doctor of Chiropractic at Chiropractic Sports Institute where he has his private practice caring for both Amature and Professional atheltes. He has completed extensive post-graduate training in the field of Sports Chiropractic and Nutrition. Along with a lustrious career as a College Baseball player, Dr. Derek lives and breaths athletics.

Back to School, a pain in the neck (literally)

2008-08-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

As our kids return to school we need to be aware of a new trend that has been gaining “popularity” in the last few years, an increase in neck and back pain. With more and more school districts removing lockers, increase in homework and textbooks and the disallowance of roll along backpacks, students are being forced to carry their books in their backpacks all day long. Not only will this potentially cause a painful problem, but if one already exists, it can exacerbate it. This new and disturbing trend shows America’s youth are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor. The new trend among youngsters isn’t surprising when you consider the disproportionate amounts of weight they carry in their backpacks – usually slung over just one shoulder.
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Preliminary results of a study being done in France show that the longer a child wears a backpack, the longer it takes for a curvature or deformity of the spine to correct itself. Like with any problem, it needs to be recognized and addressed if change is to take place to correct the situation. If your child begins to feel pain in his neck or back, consult your Chiropractor, Physician or therapist immediately before the condition worsens.

A few basic guidelines should be followed to insure proper fit and address spinal health and biomechanical stability.
· Limiting the backpack’s weight to 10% of the child’s body weight and urging the use of ergonomically correct backpacks are essential.
· The backpack should never hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
· A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively.
· Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child’s back.
· Bigger is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry and the heavier the backpack will be.
· Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low back pain.
· Wide, padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child’s shoulders.
· The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain.
· If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child’s teacher. Ask if your child could leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter hand-out materials or workbooks. Or encourage your local school district to purchase textbooks on CD-Rom.
· Although the use of rollerpacks, or backpacks on wheels, has become popular in recent years, it is recommended that they be used cautiously and on a limited basis by only those students who are not physically able to carry a backpack.
· Encourage your child to exercise and strengthen the muscles of the back and neck.

By following these simple guidelines you may help your child get more out of school than an aching back.

Drug use in Sports

2008-05-22T11:55:00.001-07:00

Its been awhile since I have sat down and “blogged” or rambled but today I could not help it. In the past two weeks I have been approached by top athletes in two different sports asking me how to “beat a drug test” or “how long does it take for certain drugs to leave the system so I know when to stop before my drug test”. This is not the first time I have been asked these questions, in fact, I have been asked these questions for almost as long as I have been a Sports Doctor involved in high level sports.

Bare with me in my rambles and believe me, in time I will get to my point (if your still awake and with me). My first question back to these athletes is “what is the price you are willing to pay and how do you want to be remembered?” Cheaters NEVER win in the long haul. Look at Pete Rose, one of the greatest MLB players of all time yet he is remembered more for is gambling conviction, Dennis Rodman, one of the greatest defensive players Basketball has ever seen yet he is remembered for his off court antics and his lack of professionalism, Roger Clemens, one of the best pitchers the league has ever seen, yet now, you know him only as a cheater, Barry Bonds- need I say more. The list goes on and on from cycling to track and field and everything in between. Athletes who worked their entire life to get on the podium of greatness only to be remembered more for their mistakes in judgment or willingness to sell themselves for the short term goal and not thinking of the long term consequences.

It’s sad really that society puts so much pressure on “greatness” yet will shoot you down and bury you if you take a short cut. With a son in sports I have begun to drill into him that hard work, and taking the high road will always lead to “self satisfaction and greatness” and taking the quick path will only leave you with a temporary high and a life of regret.

Part of the problem is the athletes themselves can be so easily persuaded. They can be fierce on the field but weak with peer pressure. You hang around sports long enough and you will hear, “you want to go faster, take this” “You hurt and want to keep going, take this”, “you want to heal faster so you can compete, take this”. Its amazing that with all the info out there on the long term affects of drug abuse or performance enhancing drugs that athletes will still take the risk because they feel that “that happens to other guys, but not me” and they are willing to risk the unknown future for the immediate present. Put that question to Roger Clemens or Floyd Landis now.

I read a study when I first got out of school that back in the 80s they told NFL players that by signing the contract to become a Pro Football player that their life expectancy would drop to the mid 50’s due to the abuse and drugs they would have to take, and yet everyone still signed the contracts. They stated that “living the dream and ‘15 minutes of fame’ was worth it”. Ask Lyle Alzaedo if he still ageed before he died. He didn’t and spent his remaining years talking about his regrets. Not a great way to die and not how I want to be remembered.

Sure, Drugs can help you with pain control, or perform super human feats but how satisfying are those feats when you did not do it under your own God given power. I hear all the time, “everyone else is doing it”. Yep, you maybe right, but at what point do you become a leader and say “yes but I am not”. You have heard the saying “if everyone jumped off a bridge without a paracute would you still do it”. Are we herds of cattle that follow our packs like robots or are we true humans with personal thoughts? Why can’t an athlete be remembered for his greatness on and off the field, for his hard work, dedication and ethics? I love sports, I was never at the top of the game but that did not change my views on how much love I got out of competition. I am asked at times why I climb high mountains and my answer is also the best explanation I can give to athletes who question whether or not they should take drugs. “It’s not reaching the summit that give me my high, it’s the journey that takes me there that does”.

In closing, when dealing with your kids, fellow athletes or your friends, ask them who their true heroes are? Are they the athletes out there taking the drugs and cheating to win, OR are they their parents, teachers, mentors and or true friends who love them whether or not they are famous. Cheating never gets you anywhere in the long run and it will always leave you with regret and emptiness. Hard work and passion will always win in the end.

If you want to learn more about the abuse of drugs in sports you can start with these links and go from there:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2004-09-09-ten-changes-drugs-testing_x.htm
http://www.gdcada.org/statistics/steroids.htm

Drugs and illegal performance enhancers have been around since the dawn of time and are not going away. It’s your choice which road you want to go down and which road you ultimately want to be remembered for. Be a leader and choose the less traveled road of truth, ethics, hard work and self satisfaction and you will enjoy a full and amazing life beyond your wildest dreams.

Comments are welcomed,

Dr. Terry

So this is the New Year

2008-02-25T07:02:00.000-08:00

So this is the New Year

Ten… nine… eight… seven… six… five… four… three… two… one…

Cue the champagne, the fireworks, the midnight kiss, the confetti, the banging, clanging noise makers, the cheers and well wishes for a new year – twelve months stretched out before us, filled to the brim with endless possibility.

How will we remember 2008? Will it be remarkable? Will it leave a mark on the pages of history? Or will it pass us by quietly? Just another moment in time that will eventually fade from our memories?

Not a single one of us can tell. Standing at the edge of a new year – we cannot see what lies before us – we cannot tell what the future holds.

It’s exciting and thrilling and absolutely terrifying.

Because life is unpredictable. As much as we attempt to plan and schedule - filling the lines in our calendars and BlackBerrys with appointments and practices and meetings and recitals and games and on and on and on – life happens. Time and space and God and the great expanse of the universe do not account for our plans.

Life is filled to the brim with starts and stops and ups and downs and backwards and forwards and insides and outs and all things random and chaotic and contradictory.

There are moments of complete and utter bliss, mountain-top moments that fill our hearts, our minds, our bodies with this overwhelming joy and laughter and contentment. Moments when the sun is shining and the birds are singing and it’s all one big cliché but absolutely nothing, nothing can go wrong.

But then things do go wrong. And there are tears. And heartbreaks. And death and suffering and pain and misunderstanding and ignorance. Moments of total and absolute tragedy and loss and humiliation and loneliness.

All these heartaches and joys leap-frog each other, dance around each other, mix and meld into each other until life is this great, big, jumbled mess. It's strange and awkward and entirely beyond human understanding.

We search for answers. For the why and the how and the what. Constantly questioning and pondering and wondering the meaning of all of this – this strange thing we call “life”. And oh so rarely do we actually find the answers we seek. More often than not it seems that we are left empty handed – even more befuddled about this mixed up, crazy world.

But you know what? Maybe that’s okay. Maybe – as we are all in the midst of our own little grail quest – the search for the meaning of life – the actual finding isn’t the important part. It’s the quest itself. The journey. The people we meet. The questions we ask. The adventures and mishaps along the way that make it all worth the travels.

Life is not just a beginning or an ending. It’s an entire story. My story. Your story. Our story. Each full of tragedy and comedy and romance and unexplained mysteries - hundreds of chapters and countless characters. Pages and pages ahead of us unwritten.

And so, at the beginning of this new year, I wish you all safe and happy travels through the next twelve months, through all of life. May your story be wonderfully unpredictable.

Come what may.

Always,
Shannon

CHIROPRACTIC, the gift of health

2007-12-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

Chiropractic, its the most wonderful form of health care around. Why is it termed "Alternative". I don't know and don't understand. If using the word in its purest term, why would going to the Chiropractic Doctor be your last or alternative choice. I call my MD friends the alternative Doctors. Think about it, if we can get the body right, restore both the cell, neurological communication and then restore and strengthen the musculoskeletal frame (biomechanics) and there was STILL something wrong, then the ALTERNATIVE would be to seek surgical care or pharmaceutical intervention.

In this time of holiday and Christmas thinking, I want to hear from everyone why they chose to come to CSI and how it has changed your life. I have seen SO many miracles walk out our doors and now I want to hear them from you. This is the end of the year, your health is THE most important investment you can make, without it NOTHING matters, not your portfolio, not how many cars or houses you have, or where you live. IF you can't get out of bed in the morning what CAN you do.

Is it the insurance company's obligation to care for you, NO its yours. Insurance is just that, INSURANCE if you are in a catastrophic accident. Hopefully they will help you get back on your feet, not keep you there. So think about it, and let us and the world know why your health is important and how CSI has kept you going and for what. Post your comments for all to read. My favorite comment is "I don't believe in Chiropractic". I figured this is a good time of year to handle that one. I am not a religion, its not something you believe in. I works! There is less risk in getting Chiropractic care that there is in taking medication and getting surgery. Post your thoughts and have a blessed holiday season.

A Christmas Story

2007-12-09T21:34:00.000-08:00

I Believe
By: Shannon Trumbauer

It is 4:30 in the early early morning on December 25th, 1990.

The house is darkened, silent and still - save for the quiet, almost imperceptible shuffle of little feet along the carpet, the occasional giggle and “shushhhhhh.”

Three little faces materialize around the corner of the hallway and peer – with delicious anticipation – into the living room. There is a gasp and a clapping of hands at the sight which befalls them.

The Christmas tree, standing so tall and serene in front of the large bay window, is surrounded by presents, an impossible number of presents. The stockings hung over the chimney are full to the brim with goodies and nearby on the table there is a half-empty glass of milk and a plate of scattered cookie crumbs.

The little girls run happily back to their beds, shaking with excitement for the hour when they can finally leap onto their parents’ bed, squealing and shouting with glee –

“Santa came! Santa came!”

The same joyous cry will be heard throughout all parts of the world this morning, just as it has been heard for hundreds of years, just as it will continue to be heard for hundreds of years to come…

That particular Christmas Day was seventeen years ago.

I was seven years old.

In the years since that morning, my sisters and I have grown older, taller and wiser. We have been laden with the burdens of school and friends and work and bills and the endless sea of responsibility that comes from growing up and entering adulthood…

And still, without fail, as the holiday season approaches, as decorations appear in store fronts and the radio waves are filled with Jingle Bells, as Charlie Brown and Rudolph and Frosty make their annual appearances on our television screens – we once again become those little girls, all wide-eyed and filled with eager anticipation as the season swirls around us in this breathtaking cacophony of lights and sounds and tastes…

…pine trees, stockings full of toys, sugar cookies, bells, annoying commercials, a neighborhood street lined with twinkling lights, nativity scenes, twenty-four hours of A Christmas Story on TBS, the comfort of curling up in front of the fireplace under a warm blanket, mistletoe, carols, lying under the Christmas tree, Poinsettias, finding that perfect gift for a loved one, holiday parties, candy canes…

Peace. Love. Joy.

It is as if something in the holiday air, some wonderfully marvelous mixture of peppermint and gingerbread and hot chocolate, wipes away all those years - all those reasons that make it so hard to just believe in magic and Santa Claus and his eight flying reindeer. It is easy again. Uncomplicated. Simple.

Of course the world is filled with magic. It’s waiting to surprise us at every corner. Sneaking up on us and tapping us on the shoulder and prompting us
into joyous bursts of laughter and childlike astonishment.

And of course. Of course there is a Santa Claus.

There always will be. There always has been.

I never ever want to lose the possibilities of this belief, my overwhelming love of Christmas, the excitement that comes at seeing those first signs of the season.

And I hope, I pray, that everyone this season – no matter your beliefs, no matter the holiday which you celebrate, whether you are seven or seventy-six – that you find something to believe in this holiday season, something to once again fill you with innocent wonder.

So, in parting, I have a confession to make.

Promise you won’t laugh?

Okay, here it is – I’m twenty-four years old and I still lie awake on Christmas Eve Night and listen – hope for that distinct sound of sleigh bells up on the rooftop.

And here’s the real crazy part – sometimes I’ll hear something off in the distance, the faint ringing of a bell and my heart will leap and maybe… maybe… maybe…

“Santa came! Santa came!”

The cold season is coming, are you ready?

2007-11-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

Once again we approach the Flu season, and once again the flu shot is in the News. Last years campaign was that the flu virus was worse than ever, the year before, there was a shortage so hurry up and get yours. This year, they are predicting a large shortage and an increase in office workers sick time. With the flu vaccination advertising campaign in full swing what do you do when the virus decides to “vacation” in your body? Do you run in fear, or get educated and hit the flu season fighting.

According to the latest research the average American suffers two to six colds a year, and as yet, there is no known cure. Nevertheless, pharmacies and stores that sell alternative medicine therapies are stocked with products claiming to be natural remedies for the common cold. If you are one of the “lucky ones”, you may be wondering how best to treat your symptoms. Are over-the-counter cold medications the only way to go or do alternative remedies such as vitamin C, Echinacea and zinc really help? Before we look at the remedies and research behind them lets look at the animal itself, the cold and flu.

The common cold (acute coryza 45) is associated with viruses that affect the nose, throat, larynx (voice box) and sinuses. That means stuffed and runny nose, scratchy throat, watery eyes, stuffed sinuses and congestion. What makes the common cold different from viral or bacterial infections is the absence of high fever. Influenza, or the flu, the patient will have a fever between 101-103, backache, headache, muscle and joint pain, runny nose, congestion, sore throat and cough and continue irregularly for three to four days. The flu can cause problems if you are in the elderly population, weak or suffering from an immune suppressive disorder. In some cases, the flu may develop into pneumonia. For most people who are “healthy” the flu is little more than an annoying illness.

Painkillers such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen are common ingredients in cold products designed to relieve aches and pains and reduce fever. Yet, most colds don’t cause aches, pains or high fevers. According to Joe Graedon Ph.D., author of the People’s Pharmacy Guide to home and herbal remedies, Antihistamines, meant for those runny noses, help against allergies and hay fever but provide relatively little relief for the common cold. “Such drugs may actually be counterproductive by allowing viruses to multiply more readily. They cite a study in which Australian scientists found that aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen reduced immune system response and resulted in “increased nasal symptoms.” Other research has shown that people spread more of the cold virus after taking aspirin. So what can we do to help fight the battle?

Before reaching for any cold concoction, try these practical remedies: They work!! My kids as well as myself have used these for years and our down time always is less than those who take medication.

Drink plenty of water. Fluids will help loosen the mucus in your nose and chest and provide a medium for the cells to communicate.

Stop eating sugar and avoid dairy products. Sugar and refined sweets have been shown to reduce the total amount of white blood cells, which fight infection. Also, sugar, even in fruit juices and dairy products, thicken the mucus in the linings in your nose and lungs, making the mucus and your infection harder to get rid of.

Rest. This will allow the body to focus on healing.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C has long been touted for its ability to prevent and cure the common cold. Although these claims have been blown out of proportion, an adequate intake of Vitamin C is necessary to help fight infections and keep the immune system healthy. There is some research to show that taking extra vitamin C at the onset of a cold may cause a mild antihistamine effect.

The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C is between 75- 100 milligrams per day for women and 90-250 mg for men. You may bump this up to 1500 mg for 48-72 hours at onset of the cold. Too much Vitamin C may cause side effect such as nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, so don’t mega dose during the season.

Echinacea: Over the past several years, Echinacea has become one of the hottest herbal remedies in the US. While little research has been done in the US, European research on Echinacea has suggested that the herb has an immune-stimulant effect. Echinacea seems to work by stimulating various components of the body’s immune system. One of the reasons that Echinacea’s research varies is that there are three different species of the purple coneflower which make up the herbal remedy. For the most affective remedy seek out your Doctor/Chiropractor, nutritionist or a reputable vitamin store.

Since possible adverse effects from long-term use have not been studied, most sources recommend that Echinacea only be taken when the symptoms of a cold first appear and then only for a week or two. Because it is an immune system stimulant those with autoimmune diseases like lupus, MS, Sclerosis and RA should not take the herb. It is also not recommended for pregnant and lactating women or for those on immunosuppressant medication.

ZINC: A 1996 study found in the annals of internal medicine found that adults who used zinc lozenges (without sugar) from the onset of a cold recovered twice as fast as those who did not take them. I recommend no more that 100 mg of Zinc a day to fight off the cold and to take the duration of symptoms. Other suppliments to use during this time of year are Omega 3's, B vitamins if you are feeling stressed and a good overall multivitamin. Go to our CSI store for the best pharmaceutical suppliments on the market. http://gotcsi.com/online-store/index.htm

Try the EBR at CSI. The EB, standing for Energy Balance Cellular Clense (www.4ebr.com), has been amazing in balancing the Ph of the body. When the Ph is balanced the system works better. When ever any of us get a cold, first line of defense, EB, Chiropractic, Cold Laser (www.erchonia.com), Suppliments and rest. A powerful combination!!

Last but not least seek Chiropractic care (www.gotcsi.com) during the cold season. A study in the journal of Osteopathic medicine showed a study of over 4600 patients with upper respirator tract infections, only 5% of cases treated with spinal manipulative therapy developed secondary complications. Chiropractic care has been proven to enhance the natural resistance and improve immune function.

So, as we enter this cold season, don’t wait for the cold to attack you, attack the cold through keeping the biomechanics strong in your body by seeking Chiropractic Care, the biochemistry alive by eating right and taking the appropriate supplements and the bioenergy alive by taking care of the air in your home and this season you may be spending more time on the slopes and less time by the Kleenex box.

Thanksgiving Stand

2007-11-19T08:12:00.000-08:00

This was written by our own Shannon and rings so true, enjoy!

THANKSGIVING STAND

It’s November 6th.

48 days before Christmas, that’s over a month people.

And yet, I'm almost positive that I just overheard the faint strains of Jingle Bells as I was strolling through the aisles of Target.

What’s that all about?

Okay, sure, I'm a fan of the holiday season as much as anyone. In fact I'm pretty much in love with the holiday season. Carol singing, gift buying, the spicy sweet smell of gingerbread, Charlie Brown’s pathetic little tree, warm fires crackling in the hearth, families reunited with laughter and food – these all have the ability to turn me into a wide-eyed little girl again, all giddy with the prospect of presents and my mom’s homemade mashed potatoes.

But I think we're forgetting something here. Before the Jingle Bells, before the last minute shopping frenzy, before the stockings are hung by the chimney with care…

That’s right. Thanksgiving - the forgotten middle child of the holiday season. Consistently overshadowed by perfect, overachieving sister Christmas and zany, quirky little brother Halloween.

Because sure, it’s nice to sit around and watch football and stuff ourselves silly with food but let’s face it, we're Americans – it’s not much of a deviation from our normal lives. So we may find ourselves thinking – what’s the big deal?

On Thanksgiving you can't dress up like SpongeBob and ring your neighbor’s doorbell to ask for candy - or you can - but you can pretty much guarantee that your neighbor’s going to be giving you some funny looks for while.

There’s no exchanging of gifts – no Thanksgiving Carols – no great big jolly man in a big red suit with a sack full of toys.

Thanksgiving, and the whole month of November really, just continues to pass by quietly, in its unobtrusive pumpkin pie sweet kind of way as children all over the world start the countdown to the holidays that really matter.

Well, this year I'm taking a stand for Thanksgiving.

For the Pilgrims. For cranberry farmers and football lovers and airport personnel and tryptophan lovers across the country.

This year let’s remember Thanksgiving. For more than just the great sales and the long lines that it’s evil twin “Black Friday” brings in her wake.

Let’s take the time to turn off the cell phones, sit down with our families and just enjoy the presence of human company, of laughter around the dinner table, of the clang and clatter of forks and knives and fancy china.

I know you've got it in you – there’s a reason that millions of Americans will be taking to the roads and skies over the next few weeks. The greeting card companies and department stores may have forgotten but we haven't. Inside every one of us there lies a need to be surrounded by friends and family, to watch Uncle Ted and Aunt Lillian fight over the last of the yams and to eat more turkey than humanly possible or necessary.

So forget for a moment about the stresses and trials of life. Take a deep breath. Relax. Enjoy your day off. Cheer for your team. Watch a parade. Eat. Eat. Eat.

And don't forget to give some thanks for all we have been blessed with.

Happy Thanksgiving to All.

-- Shannon

A food you should eat everyday

2007-11-07T14:18:00.000-08:00

The following was sent to me by my sister, Christi Black. Good info sis!

Walnuts

WHAT IT IS:Muscle growth, Brain stimulant, Cancer fighter, Heart healthy, Boosts immunity Richer in heart-healthy omega-3s than salmon, loaded with more anti-inflammatory polyphenols than red wine, and packing half as much muscle-building protein as chicken, the walnut sounds like a Frankenfood, but it grows on trees. Other nuts combine only one or two of these features, not all three. A serving of walnuts — about 1 ounce, or seven nuts — is good anytime, but especially as a postworkout recovery snack.

FIT IT IN: Sprinkle on top of salads; dice and add to pancake batter; spoon peanut butter into curries; grind and mix with olive oil to make a marinade for grilled fish or chicken.

HOME RUN: Mix 1 cup walnuts with ½ cup dried blueberries and ¼ cup dark chocolate chunks.

* Information provided by All-Star Panel: Joy Bauer, author of Joy Bauer's Food Cures and nutrition advisor on NBC's Today show; Laurie Erickson, award-winning wellness chef at Georgia's Sea Island resort; David Heber, MD, PhD, author of What Color Is Your Diet?; and Steven Pratt, MD, author of the best-selling SuperFoods Rx