Tips for next years holiday season

December 28, 2011

We all know how important it is to keep yourself as stress free as possible during the holiday season.  The stress of holiday candies, dinners, celebrations and travel can take a toll.   Make sure to eat right, drink plenty of water, stretch, exercise and take a few minutes to slow down take some deep breaths and relax.

The ACA and Precise Moves Chiropractic have some tips to keeping you healthy and limit stress during the holiday season: 

Treat Holiday Shopping As An Athletic Event

  • Stay hydrated! Drink eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water a day. (Coffee, tea, soft drinks and alcohol are dehydrators. Don’t substitute them for water.) On shopping days, you may need to drink even more water.
  • Be sure to stretch before and after a long day of shopping or taking those returns back. When you are stressed-out, your muscles are less flexible than usual.
  • Wear shoes with plenty of cushioning in the soles to absorb the impact of walking on those hard shopping mall floors.
  • Make sure your clothing is as comfortable as possible. It’s a good idea to wear layers, because you may be going from a cold environment (outdoors) to a warm environment (indoors).
  • Leave your purse at home. Wear a light fanny pack, or if necessary, a light backpack instead. Pack only those items that are absolutely essential (driver’s license, credit card, etc.).
  • If you start to feel some pain, nip it in the bud. Apply an ice bag to the affected area for 20 minutes, then take it off for a couple of hours. Repeat a couple of times each day over the next day or two.

Plan Frequent Breaks Into Your Shopping Day

  • During a day of heavy shopping, most people should take a break every 45 minutes. Those with less stamina may even need to take breaks more frequently.
  • If possible, obtain a locker. Lockers can help cut down dramatically on how much you have to carry around. You can take a load off by scheduling trips to your locker into your breaks.
  • If your mall or shopping center doesn’t offer lockers, try to plan trips to your car. Don’t carry around more than is absolutely necessary at one time.
  • When taking breaks, try to eat light foods. A salad and some fruit is a much better option than a burger and fries.
  • Skip the coffee break! Coffee and sodas contain caffeine and sugar, which add even more stress to your body. Pass on the designer coffee at the java stand and keep drinking water.

Shopping With Children

  • If at all possible, DO NOT bring children along on a holiday shopping trip. Most children simply do not have the stamina for such an event, and you and your child will only become frustrated with one another. Don’t add this type of stress to an already stressful situation.
  • Try to split “child duty” up with a spouse or another parent. They’ll watch your kids while you shop, and vice-versa.

Wrapping Your Gifts

  • Since there is no “ideal” position for wrapping gifts, the most important thing to remember is to vary your positions. For example, try standing at a table or countertop for one package, sitting on a bed for another, sitting in a comfortable chair for another, etc.
  • Do not wrap packages while sitting on the floor. Wrapping packages while sitting on a hard floor can wreak havoc on your posture, and should be avoided.
  • Always stretch before and after you wrap gifts.

“When wrapping presents, it’s a good idea to ‘stretch the opposites,’” says Dr. Bautch. “In other words, if you are leaning forward when wrapping your gifts, stretch backward when you are done.”

Chiropractic Care Can Help
If you experience pain or discomfort as a result of holiday shopping, consider calling us for a visit. We can help alleviate your pain naturally, so you can enjoy the holiday season as it was meant to be.

Hope your holidays were wonderful and have a prosperous New Year!

References: http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=74

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in chiropractic redwood city, Chiropractor Redwood City, redwood city chiropractic, Redwood City Chiropractor, san carlos chiropractic, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Would you like to have True Wellness?

October 21, 2011

What do Evander Holyfield, the heavyweight champion of the world, John Smoltz, the 1996 Cy Young award winner and Dan O’Brien, the 1996 Olympic Gold Medallist in the decathlon have in common? What do they share in common with Marla Maples Trump, who can afford the best the world has to offer and James Earl Jones, the fine actor?

They all have been on the cover of Today’s Chiropractic Magazine sharing their excitement about the benefits of Chiropractic Wellness Care. Evander Holyfield stated in the December 1998 issue, “I do believe in Chiropractic. I found that going to a Chiropractor three times a week helps my performance. Once I drove 20 miles to see a Chiropractor before a fight. I have to have my adjustment before I get in the ring.”

Dan O’Brien said in the August 1996 issue, “you obviously can’t compete at your fullest if you’re not in alignment. It was the holistic idea that I liked about Chiropractic. I really think Chiropractic is essential in running. If I could put a percentage on it, I think I compete eight to ten percent better from regular Chiropractic use, if not more. It is essential for me and my training routine,” declared O’Brien.

Ten percent is a huge amount for an athlete or anyone for that matter. For Dan O’Brien, it would have been the difference between the gold medal and not even making the team.

A runner who runs a 10 second hundred meter dash may win a Olympic race, while an 11 second hundred couldn’t even qualify for the team. A 4.5 second 40 yard dash would make a fast running back, while a 5 second 40 yard dash would be an average time for a lineman. A baseball player batting .330 might win the batting title, while a player hitting .230 would get sent down to the minors.

Can you imagine if your entire life improved by ten percent? What if your energy, sleep, healing ability and immune function were all improved by 10%? How about a 10% improvement in hormonal balance and digestion efficiency? If your entire body was functioning ten percent better it would make a huge difference. You would enjoy a much happier, healthier, energetic life!

What is it that the pros know about wellness and Chiropractic that most people don’t know? Why do they receive Chiropractic Wellness Care to help them be their best and healthiest?

The first answer is that these people know health is not just how you feel. For example, they know that you can feel perfectly fine and still not be healthy.

Did you ever know someone who thought they were healthy and then all of a sudden had a heart attack? Do you know anyone who one day was fine and then , what seems like all of a sudden, got diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, arthritis, or a herniated disk?

These conditions take 10, 20, or 30 years before they show any outward symptoms that you or your doctor might be able to identify. However, what they will do is reduce your body’s function slowly over time, thereby limiting your health potential and quality of life.

This process happens so slowly over time that we accept these weaknesses as normal and go on with our life, never knowing what we are missing out on. Top athletes and performers are challenging their physical and mental limits every day, so they keep track of their function and performance in relation to their true wellness potential. Rather than waiting until they get sick or injured, they fine tune their body and mind all the time with Chiropractic Wellness Care.

Next, these top performers fully understand the relationship between their nervous system, and the function of every cell, tissue and organ of their body. Consider trying these simple interactive experiments.

Wiggle your fingers and toes. How did you do that? Your brain sent signals down your spinal cord telling your fingers and toes what to do. All motor function, all movement, is controlled by your nervous system including your balance and coordination.

Pull a hair on your arm, and then pull another one within an inch of the first. Do you feel the pulling in the same place each time, or a different place? You can feel the pulling in a different place because even every hair cell has its own distinct and unique nerve supply that is connected to the brain. All feeling and sensation is controlled by your nervous system.

How do you digest your food to get the maximum intake of nutrients your body needs to function properly? How does your heart know how fast to beat when you are exercising in order to supply appropriate oxygen to all the cells of your body? How does your body know what hormones to produce and when it’s time to go to the bathroom?

Every function of your body is controlled and regulated by your nervous system. Your brain takes in all the information from the environment and sends out signals which trigger the appropriate response by your body. As long as there is no interference to this system, the brain receives the correct signals and in turn sends out the correct response. The result is a healthy human being with unlimited abilities and human potential.

Unfortunately, if there is interference to this pathway, it acts like static on a telephone line and all the body functions become reduced. Dr. Chung Ha Suh, a researcher out of the University of Colorado, found that 45mm. of a mercury pressure, roughly the weight of a quarter, is enough to reduce the function of that nerve to 40 percent of its original value. We’ve already seen the significance of 10%, can you imagine the effect of 40%? Removing this interference is a serious health issue.

One person came in for Chiropractic care after not being adjusted for over a year. When confronted on the issue of wellness, he said, “I’m into wellness. I eat healthy and I exercise regularly.”. Unfortunately, his neck muscles had atrophied significantly and he had lost close to 50% of the range of motion in his neck. He had interference in his nervous system and didn’t know it until the damage was done.

This is not wellness. Random House Dictionary defines wellness as the fact or condition of being in maximum mental and physical health.

Chiropractic care is essential for wellness. Chiropractic removes interference from your nervous system so there is no static on your lines. Chiropractic Wellness Care keeps your spine and nervous system free from interference so that your body can function at its best all the time.

This is why top performers receive Chiropractic Wellness Care. Maria Maples Trump” has made her Chiropractic care a family priority. Her daughter gets adjusted and she has referred her husband, mother, chauffeur, nanny and personal assistant for care.”

You too can experience true health and wellness. Begin by making Chiropractic Wellness Care a part of your families life!

http://www.chiropracticresearch.org/search-result.php?aid=1730

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in chiropractic redwood city, Chiropractor Redwood City, General Health, redwood city chiropractic, Redwood City Chiropractor, san carlos chiropractic, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

NY Times says Teenagers prefer caffeine

July 19, 2011
Interesting News today in the New York Times.  It seems kids crave caffeine even when they don’t know it is in the beverage!

Super-caffeinated energy drinks with names like Red Bull and Monster are increasingly popular among teenagers. But is it savvy marketing or the caffeine that keeps teenagers coming back for more?

New research from the University at Buffalo suggests that adding caffeine to a beverage increases its appeal among young people — even when they don’t know the drink contains caffeine.

To study the effect of caffeine on taste preference, the researchers first set out to create new drink flavors that weren’t familiar to their test subjects. Using a combination of Kool-Aid and flavored carbonated water, the researchers concocted seven new drink flavors, including vanilla-orange and lime-pomegranate. Then they asked 100 young people, ages 12 to 17, to rank their favorites.

The scientists then picked each child’s fourth-ranked drink. Half the students were given the drink with caffeine added, while the other half, acting as a placebo group, were given the version of the drink without caffeine.

Over the next four days, the students came back to the lab to taste the drink and rank their preference for it on a scale of 0 to 100. Notably, among the placebo drinkers, there was no change in the students’ flavor ratings over the four-day tasting period. But among those students who were unknowingly drinking a caffeinated version of the drink, the flavor ratings improved each day, rising by 20 to 25 percent over the four days.

“Every day, the association with that flavor and the feeling it gave them increased their liking just a little bit,’’ said Jennifer Temple, an author of the study and assistant professor in the department of exercise and nutrition science. Dr. Temple and colleagues are presenting the study on Friday at the annual meeting of the Society for Study of Ingestive Behavior in Clearwater, Fla.

Dr. Temple said the study suggests that the presence of caffeine in a beverage influences a child’s taste preferences. That said, the study data weren’t conclusive. On the sixth day of testing, the students were given all seven drinks again and asked to rate them. Even though they had tasted their fourth-favorite flavor repeatedly over the past four days, it remained in fourth place.

In conducting the research, the researchers told the students they were part of a study testing a variety of drink additives, including flavors, artificial sweeteners, carbonation and caffeine. Follow-up testing at the study’s end showed that the students were no more likely to guess the beverage had caffeine in it than any of the other additives, showing that neither group was aware if they were drinking a placebo beverage or one with an additive.

Dr. Temple said flavor and packaging likely influence a child’s drink choice. But once they have made a choice, over time children appear to develop a stronger preference for drinks with caffeine.

“The pairing between the flavors and the way caffeine makes them feel reinforces their propensity for drinking these drinks,’’ she said. “The caffeine is what makes these drinks so reinforcing to children and so liked.’’

REFERENCES: Tara Parker-Pope, The New York Times

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, Redwood City Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

6 tips for managing Ankylosing Spondylitis

April 24, 2010

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing Spondylitis (“AS”) is also known as Mari Struempell disease or Bechterew’s disease.  This is an inflammatory arthritis that results in fusion of the spine, pelvis and sacral joints.  It can affect other joints in the body as well.  Spondylitis is defined as inflammation of the joints of the body.   When AS forms on bones, it begins to grow more bone and eventually fuse the joints together causing pain, stiffness and decreased movement in the body.

Symptoms:

Joint pain in the low back is the most common symptom but may be ignored and called “growing pains” because signs and symptoms can occur at 15 years of age or younger.  Other symptoms are

1. Stiffness especially in the morning in the Sacroiliac joint and spine,
2. Aches in low back which interrupt sleep
3. Pain that goes down the legs and groin area
4. Pain in the morning, after waking up
5. Aches in buttock, neck, shoulders, hips and upper back
6. Weight loss and fatigue
7. Eye inflammation, heart, lung, nervous system, bowel dysfunction
8. An increase of the curve of the thoracic spine may occur.

What can be done to decrease the symptoms of AS?

A. Flexibility exercises to keep the muscles and tissues moving as much as possible.
B. Keep weight within normal limits to keep the strain off of the joints of the body
C. Avoid quick movements which may inflame the body
D. When pain and stiffness occur, use heat.
E. Swimming, yoga and pilates is the best exercise for AS
F. Omega 3 rich diet.

What can your doctor do to help with this problem?

1. X-rays can show fusion of the joints to confirm the diagnosis of AS
2. Assist with an exercise program to keep mobility and correct posture
3. Massage and muscle therapy included in the treatment plan to increase flexibility

Keeping proper movement and flexibility in your body can drastically decrease the affects of AS.  Chiropractic care that incorporates soft tissue work can keep you healthy and functioning at the highest level possible.

This was presented by Dr. Amie Gregory, D.C. of Precise Moves Chiropractic in San Carlos, CA

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

The Affects Of Tight Hamstrings

April 18, 2010

A lot of patients that come into my office have tight hamstrings and think it is normal to feel a pull in the back of their legs when bending forward.  This is not normal.  Sure, there may not be any problems right now but in time, the muscle can cause several dysfunctions.  Tears, low back and sciatic pain (because the muscle attaches to the lower portion of the hips), and pain or tears in the back of the knee may occur.  The hamstring muscle is really three muscles.  The semitendinosis, semimembranosis and biceps femoris.

What causes hamstring tightness?
Sure, genetics can play a part but in most cases it is caused by improper or not enough stretching.  There are easy stretches that only take about 6-10 minutes and can prevent tears and problems in the future.  Stretching before and after an athletic event helps in maintaining a flexible muscle so it is recommended to do so every time you engage in a sport.  Here is a common stretch that is easy to do.

  • Sit on the floor with one leg straight
 and the other bent with the foot pressing against the inner portion of the outstretched leg
  • Keep your back straight as you lean forward through the hips 
to one the straight leg side
  • Hold (don’t bounce) for 25 to 30 seconds
  • Switch sides

Doing these exercises will prevent injuries and keep you low back loose preventing injuries.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos California, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

How can I take care of Vertigo and dizziness?

April 17, 2010

Vertigo and dizziness can be scary but there are a couple of maneuvers that can help.

Vertigo happens sometimes when we change position of our head rapidly.  This can happen when changing from a sitting position to standing or from a laying down to standing position.  It can even happen if we turn our head too fast.

Sometimes this problem is because of a blocked nerve in the upper portion of our neck which goes to our inner ear.  It can also be caused by a mass of particles in the inner ear.  In either case, it can be taken care of and you can get your life back!

The Epley Maneuver is helpful with this problem.  It reconfigures the fluid in the ear and allows the inner ear to function.  How this works is a patient is taken from the seated position to laying down on his/her back with the affected ear facing down.  This is held for about 20-30 seconds and then the head is rapidly moved to the other side.  It is again held in this position for 20-30 seconds.  After staying in this position, the patient is then put on their side.  Then the patient is turned to face the floor.

After this maneuver it is recommended to remain in an upright position for 24 hours (or as long as you can sit comfortably).

Chiropractic adjustments to the top of the neck are safe and also help greatly with vertigo or dizziness.  Since the head is moving properly and the nerves are functioning normally, the ear works the way it should and the equilibrium is maintained.  Performing both the Epley Maneuver and adjusting the neck gets great results!

Call our office today if you have this problem!  We can help!

Precise Moves Chiropractic
San Carlos, CA
650-353-1133

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

How can I prevent spraining my ankle?

March 28, 2010

Ankle sprains are becoming common.  Sprains occur when the ligaments of the ankle are stretched and pulled beyond their capacity.  This sometimes leads to partial tears or complete tears in the foot.  In 85% of ankle sprains, the Anterior Talofibular ligament is damaged by someone planting their foot, then rolling over the outside of their foot.  This inside of the foot is only sprained about 15% of the time.

In a total tear, stabilization of the foot is necessary along with R.I.C.E (rest, Ice, compression, elevation) for regrowth and restoration of the tissues.  The foot can still be checked for proper movement and can be manipulated safely but with caution.  Partial tears require R.I.C.E and stabilization is not normally necessary.  Exercises after the inflammation is gone along with getting the foot and ankle in their proper position helps and gets patients back walking normally quickly.

People with chronic sprains sometimes think it is normal to keep spraining their ankle.  This in NOT true!  The reason why someone sprains their ankle many times can be because of balance issues, pathological gait patterns and improper foot position.  Learning balance exercises, proper gait and getting the foot in the proper position can prevent future sprains and keep patients healthy and active for a lifetime.

We are extremity experts at Precise Moves Chiropractic.  We can help with any sports injury or extremity problem.  Please call us today to make an appointment for an exam and consultation!

Precise Moves Chiropractic has been serving the San Carlos, CA area since 2007!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos California, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Tips for Adhesive Capsulitis (frozen shoulder)

March 24, 2010

Causes:

The bones, ligaments and tendons around your shoulder joint are encased in a capsule of connective tissue. Frozen shoulder occurs when this capsule swells and thickens tightening the shoulder joint, restricting its movement and causes pain.

Frozen shoulder is often initially ignored when symptoms first occur because the pain subsides within a few days so people think it is just a short term problem.  It will come back and when it does it is more painful and lasts longer.  Scar tissue and inflammation re-occur and continue to restrict the shoulder from moving properly.

This problem takes a long time to see full results but it can be alleviated.

Frozen shoulder has three stages:

  • Stage one: The “freezing” or painful stage, which may last from six weeks to nine months, and in which the patient has a slow onset of pain. As the pain worsens, the shoulder loses motion.
  • Stage two: The “frozen” or adhesive stage is marked by a slow improvement in pain but the stiffness remains. This stage generally lasts four months to nine months.
  • Stage three: The “thawing” or recovery, when shoulder motion slowly returns toward normal. This generally lasts five months to 26 months.

Risk Factors:

  1. Age: People 40 or older are at risk
  2. Repetitive jobs especially jobs which require raising the arms over the head
  3. Injuries to the shoulder which causes improper movement of the shoulder adding to inflammation.

Treatment:

Inflammation must be decreased before exercises can really be beneficial.   Scar tissue must be broken and new healthy tissue must take its place.  Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization can decrease scar tissue and increase mobility.  We can also train your shoulder to move properly to prevent further injury.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Increasing Energy & Stamina When Dieting

February 24, 2010

Wondering how to keep active while lowering your calorie intake?  Here are some healthy tips!

Balance is key!  If on a minimum of 1,200 calories per day, 50-55% should be coming from carbohydrates, 15-20% from protein, and 25-30% fat.

Ensure that you eat a high fiber, low refined carbohydrate diet:  For example, if you’re going to eat bread, select 100% whole wheat. Stay away from “white” and “enriched” bread and foods

Eat smaller, frequent meals rather than a few, large meals:  It is recommended to eat 3 meals and 2-3 healthy snacks per day. We are not talking snicker bars here! Try an apple or a half a cup of blueberries. This will help maintain blood sugar levels while increasing your satiety.

Stay hydrated: Hydration is vitally important. Drink water prior, during and after exercise.  Men on average should consume about 13 8-oz servings of water per day. Women should consume about 9 8-oz servings.

Decrease your caffeine intake: Consume less than 400mg of caffeine per day. If you need caffeine, consume 2 oz every 2 hrs is the best dose of caffeine for energy. Opt for smaller cups of coffee instead of one large one: your body can only process a limited amount of caffeine at a time.

Increase your physical activity: increase your maximum aerobic capacity through your exercise. Exercise improves your mood immediately and it is great for your heart!

By admin | Posted in General Health | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

How to prevent bruising

February 22, 2010

In a recent article in Bottom Line Health, there are 2 main causes of bruising.

1. Aging: Getting older our skin becomes thinner and more vulnerable for injuries.

2. Medications: Aspirin, ibuprofen and warfarin (Coumadin) cause thinning of the skin. This allows bruising easily if you bump or scrape yourself.

Here are some suggestions that can help you stop bruising so easily.

Eat a flavonoid-rich diet: Citrus fruits, blueberries, blackberries, green tea, and onions are full of antioxidants which help you to fight off disease and illness as well as strengthen your cell membranes. Even if you are a “chocaholic”! Flavonoids exist naturally in cacao. Though cacao is not as sweet as chocolate, it can stop the urge to eat another sweet and help your metabolism at the same time!

Grape skins contain high amounts of flavonoids as well as polyphenols. Red and white wine contain flavonoids but red wine has been observed to contain higher levels of flavonoids.

Get enough Vitamin C: Elderberry or bilberry are great sources of vitamin C. They are high in flavonoids as well! Studies have shown them improve circulation, eye health and reduce viruses.

Finally, as with everything else… Exercise: Poor circulation contributes to bruising, exercising helps get your circulation pumping! You can walk, skip, jump, run or do anything that gets your heart pumping faster.

This is a message from Dr. Amie B. Gregory at Precise Moves Chiropractic in San Carlos, CA

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health | Tagged , | Comments (0)