Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Heath Care vs. Sick Care

Traditionally, we see doctors when we have some type of obvious ache or pain. Yet, waiting for these obvious symptoms to appear before finally seeking help is becoming an increasing burden on our health care system, economy and well-being.

And while it may be called “health” care, it’s actually sick care.

Chiropractors are leading the way with real health care that’s designed to keep you well. Not surprising, it’s called wellness care. And the preliminary research is astonishing!

A study published in a 1996 edition of Topics in Clinical Chiropractic looked at a group of seniors aged 75 years or older. Subjects who were receiving chiropractic care reported experiencing better overall health and had fewer hospital admissions, used fewer medications and were more active than their peers who did not receive chiropractic care.

A more recent analysis published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics looked at 311 chiropractic patients aged 65 years or older who had been receiving “maintenance” chiropractic care for five years or longer. When compared with subjects who were not receiving chiropractic care, they had half as many medical doctor visits and overall had healthier habits.

Other studies further confirm what a growing number of our own patients have been telling us: it’s actually less expensive to stay well, than it is to get well.

Let us know how we can best support you and your individual health goals.

Monday, July 18, 2011

All Medications Have Side Effects

When you fill a prescription do you take the time to investigate the potential side effects of the medication you are going to put in your body? Do you ask yourself, are the potential side effects worse then what I am taking this medication for? If your you are not asking yourself these questions, I hope that you start since over 100,000 people die each year in the United States from a bad reaction or overdose of a prescription medication. That is over 280 people per day!

Your body is a self healer and heals from inside out, not outside in. When you treat your body right, you should not need to take any medication. Is a fever an unhealthy reaction or a healthy one? Do you take medication to lower your fever. I am sure most of you reading this believe that a fever means you are sick or "unhealthy" when in reality a fever is your body's proper healthy response to an invading bacterial or viral infection. As long as your fever stays at or below 103.5, it is best to let things run their natural course. You will actually get better much faster. This is one example of how we are programed to think.

If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, have you tried to resolve this problem by decreasing sodium and fat in your diet? Have you tried exercise? I know that this requires some effort, but the sad fact is by the time most people are 75 years old, they are on at least 6 different medications and some up to 12. To me this is insane! Think of the cost alone, let alone the fact that some of these medications are probably taken because of the side effects caused by some of the other medications they are on.

So...what is the answer? Take care of your health and stay off of medications unless your life depends on it. Watch your diet, exercise regularly, sleep 6 to 8 hours per night, drink plenty of water, keep your stress levels in check and get adjusted regularly so that your nervous system is functioning optimally. By following these simple recommendations you will have the best chance at living a long and healthy life.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Maintenance Care Saves Money

Just like a Dentist can spot a cavity before you know it is there, a Chiropractor can detect a subluxation before the pain occurs. Maintenance care in Chiropractic is the same as going in to get your teeth cleaned along with a routine checkup with your family dentist.

A common trait that I have noticed among new patients throughout the years is that they have the signs and symptoms of subluxation, but often wait until the pain gets unbearable before they do anything about it. That is usually when they come to see me. In many cases it takes 2 to 4 weeks or 6 to 12 treatments before they feel considerably better. Then comes the big decision, do they continue treatment to correct and stabilize the problem or drop out of care because they feel better. Those that continue, experience the most benefit from Chiropractic care whereas, those who stop usually see the same condition return within a 2 to 6 month period. At that time they usually return to me and again do the 2 to 4 week regimen. That is another 6 to 12 visits.

Most patients who receive maintenance care come in once per month. The benefits are many including better nervous system function, more energy, better sleep and most important, no recurrence of their back pain.

So what is better, a monthly trip to the Chiropractor to stay well and be at top of your game, or coming in only when you are in pain for up to 12 visits in a month several times per year? To me the choice is obvious, especially when someone has been through exactly what I just demonstrated. Do you wait for the low oil light too come on in your car before changing your oil? Do you change your air conditioning filter regularly? So why would you wait for your pain to get so bad before doing anything about it? Are you going to be proactive or reactive when it comes to your health? The choice is up to you.